Essay I: Slavery And Its Social Effects
“We were all ranked together at the valuation. Men and women, old and young, married and single, were ranked with horses, sheep, and swine… Our fate for life was now to be decided. We had no more voice in that decision than the brutes among whom we were ranked. A single word from the white men was enough-against all our wishes, prayers, and entreaties- To sunder forever the dearest friends, dearest kindred, and strongest ties known to human beings.” Frederick Douglass’ accurate representation of slavery in his narratives examines the effect that slavery can have on those who implement it and those subject to it.
The idea of owning a person becomes a power that most people find that they cannot control. Often the power is used for selfish reasons, rather than for the ideal economic reasons. This dynamic is addressed in a more investigative, and relatable, fashion in Octavia Butler’s Kindred. Dana is a woman from 1976 who is suddenly transported to the 1800’s, and is confronted with her ancestor, Rufus Weylin. The resulting relationship becomes the basis for Dana’s existence and her understanding of what slavery is.
Dana’s travels to and from the past become an eye-opening experience that lead to her understanding, and ultimate refute, of slavery. In The Fire, Dana is sent back a second time, and stumbles upon the beating of Alice’s father. She relies on her past, mainly her schooling, to make a correct assumption about the “patrollers” that briefly keeps her from being caught. This sense of power shared among the patrollers is a result of the diminishing effect of slavery. Though educated, Dana does not always outsmart her captures. Dana has a brief reprieve from her third trip home when she is suddenly “flash-learning” as much as she can from everything her husband, Kevin, could find on black history. She was doing this to find a pass sample, and to use a map. Besides her abundant amount of potentially life-saving information, she is almost immediately caught, and beaten. This is Dana’s second run-in with the whip, and her most brutal.
In The Fall, Dana is talking about the “mindless” work she partakes in and getting a comment from future husband Kevin, “Why do you go around looking like a zombie all the time?” She takes caffeine pills to keep awake, but not alert, and so has this appearance of shuffling through life, without a free thought or a yearning for something better. She is in a steady atmosphere where people are hired as they are needed. The freedom of such an existence is poles apart from the institutions of slavery. She figures this out quickly when she has to adopt certain behaviors and attitudes (an agency), such as not talking back and simply saying “Yes, sir”, when in Rufus’ time. Rufus is exposed to 20th century thinking but has trouble of his own trying to rationalize it all.
Rufus is a tragic character whose purpose is to examine the dichotomy created by slavery. As we get to know Rufus a little more, a few things are a constant with him; he is not very smart, clumsy, and selfish. Earlier in his life, the most selfish action we find is when Rufus burns down the stable. “I wanted Daddy to give me Nero-a horse I liked. But he sold him to Reverend Wyndham just because Reverend Wyndham offered a lot of money. Anyway, I got mad and burned down the stable.” Because he had the power to enact revenge, and didn’t think it through, he ends up being whipped and enacting revenge once again by trying to burn down the house. He is a stark opposite to his father, Tom Weylin, who Dana said was adept at “making an example” of his slaves and keeping himself from becoming too attached to his property.
Tom is a man of his word and operates only in the limits set up by the law. Rufus is manipulative and opportunistic in his motives. He keeps letters that Dana meant to have mailed to Kevin, keeping her under his thumb. He also tries to “have” Alice for himself by any means necessary. Initially he attempts to rape her, but is stopped (only temporarily) by Isaac. His love for Alice is going unanswered because Alice simply does not love him. His childhood friendship has grown into a forced communion to suit his needs. Rufus has genuine feelings for Alice and Dana, but because of his upbringing and politics of location, he is torn and ultimately falls prey to the power that slavery allows him to exercise.
The conclusion of Kindred is an important revelation, especially for a neo-slave narrative, that has a would-be slave confronting a would-be master and having the power collapse on itself. Throughout Kindred, Dana is tied to Rufus by “mortal connection”. She only appears when Rufus is in mortal danger and slips back to her time when she feels like she is in mortal danger. The nature of this connection already has grim connotations, so the severing of this connection becomes a proclamation of independence. In The Rope, a grief-stricken Rufus has just lost Alice after sending her children away from her to “keep her in line”. Confronted with the possibility of losing Dana, something he admits having nightmares about, he attempts to rape her. At this point, Rufus has lost all control and in a near suicidal effort, relinquishes himself to his inner selfish wants and power granted to him by the law.
Dana has a revelation, “I would never be to him what Tess had been to his father-a thing passed around like the whiskey jug at a husking. He wouldn’t do that to me or sell me or… No. (…) A slave was a slave. Anything could be done to her.” Dana continues to say that she accepts him as several things but “not as my master, and not as my lover.” She uses the knife on Rufus in self-defense; something to a slave that would be a sure death sentence. This is significant because it gives the saying “give an arm” a whole new meaning. As a result, Dana loses her left arm but is forever free from those suffering from the upset that slavery can have on people in that time.
In conclusion, slavery has dimensions that are mentioned in many slave narratives, but Kindred offers an in-depth view of the changes it can have on someone such as Rufus and Dana. Dana’s life is given a whole new meaning; from shuffling through work like a zombie, to preserving her existence, to severing connections with a power-fiend. Her proclamation is filled with strength and resonates with the wants of her ancestors and other sufferers. Rufus is introduced at a young age with hints at a terrible nature, and the progressive view of his character shows us the effect slavery, the power, had on him. Dana had learned of the power and danger of slavery, and defended herself from it, at the cost of Rufus’ life. Slavery, and the power it has on those willing to use it are subject themselves to become what Douglass explains best, “That cheerful eye, under the influence of slavery, soon became red with rage; that voice, made all of sweet accord, changed to one of harsh and horrid discord; and that angelic face gave place to that of a demon.”
Works Cited
Butler, Octavia. Kindred. Beacon Press. Boston. 179-1988
Douglass, Frederick. “Narrative Of The Life Of Frederick Douglass” The Norton Anthology Of
African American Literature. Ed. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Nellie Y. Mckay. New
York. London. 1997-2004
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
Afar From Men- Sample screenplay
FADE IN:
EXT. SHIP DECK - NIGHT
TURNER moves through a darkened promenade with several
PEOPLE close behind. She waves them over to a hatch and
signals them to get inside. She waves the flashlight behind
the group with visible unease. CHARLES, 38, grabs her
shoulder.
CHARLES
(Whispering)
Doctor! We must stop the boat.
FRANCESCA TURNER, 35, grabs Charles and shoves him after the
others. She shines the light on either side and out into the
water, then answers.
TURNER
There is no time. We take our
chances and wait.
CHARLES
(peeking outside
hatch)
Doctor, we could end up floating
out here for weeks.
TURNER
Or we hit land.
At the word "land" the group is visibly agitated. Charles
takes a step forward and cocks his head.
CHARLES
You cannot be serious, Land's a
last resort. We can finish this
here, there's no need for...
A MAN appears at one end of the promenade. He is walking
unsteadily toward the two. He calls to them in nonsense.
MAN
My pony just iffinified her trouf
douse for the carrots kill.
TURNER
(slightly raised)
Hey! You stay right there for me
okay? Don't come any closer.
(to Charles)
Get inside.
2.
CHARLES
(pushing past
Turner)
No, You get inside. I am going to
stop the boat. Find us a cure.
CHARLES closes the hatch behind TURNER and turns to face the
MAN. He grabs the MAN and throws him overboard. He is
bitten. He looks out to confirm a splash, reacts to the
wound, and races up the length of the ship.
INT. CONTROL ROOM - NIGHT
Charles is occupied with a control station, all the while
talking to himself.
CHARLES
(whispered,
hurried)
Two minutes and 47 seconds after
exposure from infected. another
minute or two or two or two or
two...
Charles stands for a moment, lost in thought as if suddenly
forgetting what he was doing. He steps away from the
consoles and wheels to face a mirror posted in the room. He
smashes it and uses the pieces to slit his wrists.
CHARLES
(singing)
I'm blue, my dog died today I'm
blue, carry penguin freckles into
oblivion, I'm blue. Blue. Blue,
forget dead?
Charles' voice slowly dulls into humming. The boat has not
stopped and continues to barrel on at it's velocity toward
the city of Khantred.
EXT. KHANTRED CITY - DAY
An abandoned city slowly being taken back by nature. A
building with what at first appears to be giant spiderwebs
branching from it to other buildings stands in the city.
From the intricacies of the web, which are horizontal
pulleys, and the cluttered ground below, travel is possible
by rooftop. The building is humming with music. The rest
stands still and dead.
3.
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
Sounds of music fill the room along with intermittent sounds
of quick breathing. Thomas, 40, is using a pull-up bar. He
allows himself back down and changes music before going into
hallway.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Thomas walks to one end of the hallway and looks through a
PEEPHOLE on the stairway access door. Through the PEEPHOLE
are a variety of barricades, traps and alarms blocking
access from the lower floors. No traps have gone off. He
steps back, satisfied, and makes his way further down the
hall.
INT. FOOD ROOM - DAY
Thomas is greeted by CHIRPS and HOOTS from various
Avian-like animals similar to Ducks. He replies.
THOMAS
(tossing feed)
Hello. How are we today? Need more
water? You get my shit?
The "Ducks" cackle and shake their tails in response. Thomas
grabs their waste pan and washes the contents into a small
dirt pail. He crosses the room and pours the concoction into
a glowing vegetable/fruit garden, filled at capacity with
bright colors and green life.
THOMAS
(checking firmness
of various fruits)
Yeah I got you babies the good
shit today, How are we? Nice and
plump yes?
He replaces the pan in the "Duck" area and steps out of the
Food Room.
INT. 6TH FLOOR - DAY
The whole floor is a massive studio. Three walls of the
floor has been converted to hold equipment. One wall is
ordained with various firearms and cutting weapons. Another
is filled with punching bags and a small all-around gym. The
one closest to the windows has communication equipment.
Thomas is in the center practicing a martial art while
4.
listening to an audio-book.A HUM takes over the whole
building. He stops in mid-rep and taps a control on his hip.
The building is quiet for a moment but a faint humming is
heard. Thomas races to a window and scans the streets below.
Nothing. He races for the roof for a better view.
EXT. ROOFTOP (HOME) - DAY
Thomas is on the roof looking all around the edge of the
building. The distant sound of a foghorn causes him to look
up toward the bridge. There, on the water and impact buried
in one of the bridge supports, sat a ship.
INT. 6TH FLOOR - DAY
Thomas suits up with riot gear and a few weapons. Picks up
RADIO.
THOMAS
(yelling)
This is Khantred City. Anyone hear
me? come in!
He moves for the roof.
EXT. SHIP DECK - DAY
After using the gondola system to reach the ground and
securing his rappel line to the boat, Thomas scans the deck
with a drawn shotgun.
THOMAS
(hesitant)
Hello? Anybody here?
(examining a
passageway)
Better let me know you're there!
A loud BANG BANG BANG.
INT. WITHIN SHIP - DAY
Turner is huddled with many other people who are cautiously
listening to Thomas. She lets out another rap of noise.
THOMAS
(faint)
Not good enough! Say something!
5.
TURNER
(hesitant yelling)
I am here with other people who
need help! I'm a doctor!
The hatch swings open with Thomas aiming a very big gun at
EVERYBODY.
THOMAS
(smirking)
You don't say. So. You're a
doctor?
TURNER
(hands raised)
Yes. We need to get off this...
THOMAS
(aiming at Turner)
You infected?
Turner quickly glances around to everyone and turns back to
Thomas' boomstick.
TURNER
Not us. But everyone else.
THOMAS
(lowering weapon)
Ha,cute. Any reason you decided to
smash into this particular part of
the bay?
TURNER
(lowering arms)
We lost the crew of this ship.
(glancing about
the room)
some family and friends.
Thomas turns around to scan the decks.
THOMAS
So you just didn't know how to
drive this thing?
TURNER
(waving arm)
This is all of us left. We've been
adrift for four days, locked in
this room until we heard your
call.
6.
THOMAS
Locked in? So, who rang the horn?
TURNER
None of us did.
MITCHELL, 12, walks up to Turner, unafraid of Thomas.
MITCHELL
Maybe my Dad did.
TURNER
Mitch, We both know the chances of
that.
Turner puts a palm on Mitchell's forehead. While assessing
the boy's condition, she looks Thomas up and down.
Thomas lowers himself to Mitchell's level, recognizing the
boy's courage.
THOMAS
Hey big man. What was that about
your father?
MITCHELL
(staring at
Thomas' suit)
He's out there somewhere. He was
trying to stop the boat.
Thomas stands and faces Turner.
THOMAS
So what are the chances he failed?
Thomas steps out of the hatch followed by Turner and
everyone else.
EXT. SHIP DECK - DAY
The deck is littered with brick and other rubble from the
bridge impact. Thomas moves along a path between the rubble
with his weapon drawn. The group of people stay a good way
behind. He talks to himself.
THOMAS
(under breath)
Ask and you shall receive. Be
careful what you wish for. All I
wanted was for some rain, or
tornadoes, but no. Today I get a
(MORE)
7.
THOMAS (cont'd)
boat.
Mitchell runs up to Thomas, slips on rubble and makes lots
of NOISE. Thomas whips around.
THOMAS
And kids.
MITCHELL
Hey! I'm not a kid.
THOMAS
Look kid, I need you to stick with
your people. I can't be
responsible for you.
MITCHELL
(defiant)
I'm looking for my Dad, the
control room is this way.
Mitchell points back in the opposite direction Thomas was
going.
THOMAS
(impressed)
Right. Stay behind me.
Thomas passes through the group and finds Turner calming
people. She sees Mitchell and grabs his arm.
TURNER
I told you to stay with us. Don't
make me confine you in the hatch.
MITCHELL
(stuttering)
Bu.. but the man. He was going...
going the wrong way.
TURNER
I don't care Mitchell! You cannot
just go walking out here! Don't
you understand that?
(hugging)
We've already lost your father, we
can't lose you too.
MITCHELL
(pushing off)
Somebody stopped the boat Doc.
Someone rang the horn.
(looks up to
(MORE)
8.
MITCHELL (cont'd)
Thomas)
Who else but my Dad?
THOMAS
Kid's got a point.
(hands Turner a
weapon)
I'll be right back.
(kneeling)
As for you big man. Do as the Doc
tells you ok?
(standing)
I'll be right back.
Thomas continues toward the control room.
INT. CONTROL ROOM - DAY
The floor is caked with blood. The control station screens
are filled with static, and broken glass is everywhere.
Thomas notices footprints on the screen and in odd places
around the room.
THOMAS
(muttering)
Not infected my ass.
A mutated Charles bashes into the room from a window. Glass
is pinned in his face and his torso. He eyes Thomas with
Cataract eyes and utters a series of coughs.
THOMAS
(pulling bandana
over mouth and
nose)
Not infected my ass!
Charles leaps into the air toward Thomas. Thomas spins a
kick to Charles' head, sending him crashing back onto the
screens.
Charles sits up to look at Thomas. Thomas has a baton
flicked out and cracking his neck.
THOMAS
You rang?
Charles screams with fury and lunges for Thomas' throat.
Thomas steps aside and hits Charles in the back of the head.
9.
Charles is unconscious but still breathing. Thomas ties him
up and walks back out to the group.
EXT. SHIP DECK - DAY
Thomas walks toward the group. He opens a pouch in his suit
and pulls out a can. Before he gets too close to the group
he had sprayed himself and his equipment. The group is
agitated by the action. Thomas walks up to Turner and grabs
her.
THOMAS
(muffled)
Not infected you say?
(lowers bandana)
Bullshit!
TURNER
(hesitant)
Who... Who did you find?
THOMAS
(releases her)
Some blond guy. He's infected.
MITCHELL
Dad...
TURNER
Did you kill him?
THOMAS
No. He's tied up.
Mitchell darts toward the control room.
TURNER
(following)
Mitchell! Wait! Stop!
Thomas sprints ahead of Mitchell and blocks the door to the
control room.
MITCHELL
(out of breath)
Step aside. Now.
(shoving against
Thomas)
I said now! Dad! Dad! Can you hear
me?
10.
THOMAS
Keep it together man.
MITCHELL
Open the damn door!
TURNER
Mitchell... Sweetie, listen to me.
MITCHELL
You let him die! I hate you! I
hate you!
Mitchell pushes past Turner back toward the group of people.
An elderly woman, ROSE 75, holds him close, allowing him to
sob out his frustration. Turner is monotone.
TURNER
(addressing the
group)
Everyone, please go back inside,
this deck isn't safe.
(turning to Thomas)
I need to see him.
THOMAS
Look Doc, He's one of them. He
could be awake right now waiting
for someone to get in real close.
TURNER
We can't let him suffer.
(pointing to a
pouch on THomas'
suit)
That spray... Was that a
sanitizer?
THOMAS
Only the best.
TURNER
How well is he restrained?
(looking over edge)
Could he swim?
THOMAS
You want to just chuck him into
the bay?
(looking toward
Mitchell)
What about the kid?
11.
TURNER
He'll understand. Come on, you got
spare gloves?
The two open the hatch to the control room and step inside.
While the group moves back to the room they were confined
in, a ANTA and PHILLIP are left behind. They are arguing.
ANTA
No you listen to me, you jerk. I
have been cooped up in that room
for too damn long. Give. Me. My.
Space.
PHILLIP
Honey, please. we can't be here.
Anything can come rolling off this
bridge and attack us.
ANTA
It's day time! Besides, I have
been waiting oh so long for this.
She retrieves a small pen-like object from her pocket, pulls
it apart and dumps its contents onto her palm. A small
luminescent plant bulb sits in her hand along with a
toothpick. She prods the bulb with the toothpick and watches
intently as the glow intensifies. The bulb glows brightly
momentarily then ejects a cloud of noxious gas. Anta quickly
inhales the puff ball.
ANTA
(exhaling smoke)
Oh. Yeah. You wanna hit of this.
PHILLIP
No. Now hurry up, we shouldn't be
here.
A flock of alien birds burst from the bridge foundation. The
man is jumpy, the woman mildly irritated. The birds pan out
into an aerodynamic flightpath, flying towards the
mountains. Towards the sun.
ANTA
(chuckling)
Pussy.
She fumbles to put the bulb back in the pen, it falls out
and rolls away toward the edge. While following it down, she
studies the foundation. She WHISTLES when she sees the
damage caused by the crash. The man stares at the birds.
12.
The side of the boat facing the crevice where the birds flew
from is covered with numerous men creeping up the side of
the boat.
INT. CONTROL ROOM - DAY
Charles lies breathing calmly on the floor, twitching ever
so often. Thomas and Turner stand above him, gloves and face
masks on.Turner crouches.
TURNER
Incredible. The mutation process
is far more unstable than I
originally thought.
THOMAS
What exactly were you guys doing
on this boat?
TURNER
I was conducting research. Trying
to find a cure to this disease. I
was on the brink of cracking its
code when it activated it's own
self-defense mechanism.
THOMAS
which was?
TURNER
(prying open
Charles' lips)
More violent mutations. But this
is fascinating.
(fingers on
Charles neck)
He's still alive, and breathing.
THOMAS
Yeah I noticed that too. But
that's more bad news than anything
right?
TURNER
(standing)
I'm afraid so. Originally the
disease used the host to spread by
inducing suicidal behavior. Once
the host was clinically dead, the
mutations would take over and the
host would become...
13.
THOMAS
Like a zombie, I know.
TURNER
But this... He's breathing.
Perhaps the disease has rewritten
its own code and skipped over the
suicide pre-requisite or maybe...
THOMAS
You still tossing him overboard?
TURNER
(sighing)
No no I don't think that would be
such a good idea.
A SCREAM is heard from outside the hatch.
THOMAS
What the hell?
TURNER
(flustered.)
Oh, no.
EXT. SHIP DECK - DAY
The sun grows dimmer. Turner uses a flashlight to see past
the bridge's shadow on the promenade.
THOMAS
We don't have time for this. Let's
get back with the others and wait
till morning.
The deck is slick with water. SPLASHING is heard over the
edge. Thomas aims over. Anta is thrashing about.
ANTA
(treading water)
Help me! They've got me! Don't let
th-
Anta is pulled under a brief moment then surfaces with
lacerations along her chest, face, and neck.
WOMAN
(gurgling)
No.
14.
Blood taints the river's color. Anta is tugged under once
more, but does not rise again. A SLAM is heard back on
board.
Thomas whips around with his gun drawn to find Charles
struggling towards the lip of the hatch. Thomas closes it
before Charles breaks through his bonds.
Thomas follows a set of wet footprints around a corner.
Phillip is feebly trying to push the Infected off of his
neck. The deck is slick with his blood and the Infected are
slipping over one another to gain ground on their feast.
THOMAS
Holy shit.
Two of the Infected, the ones gnawing on the man's chest,
looked up with whiteout eyes and purpling slightly luminous
skin. One inhales and lets out a roar.
The boat rocks on the water. Thomas hears echoing grunts and
glances over the edge. Some of the infected are pushing
against the boat. Prying it out of its impact with the
bridge.
THOMAS
We have to get off this thing.
(handing Turner a
face mask)
We better be quick.
Thomas turns to the group of infected and sees that they had
quartered the man and held his limbs like clubs.
TURNER
My God...
Thomas opens fire on the group. The majority are killed but
a few manage to jump over board.
THOMAS
(looking toward
Turner)
Let's go, we can't let them push
us out into the bay.
The boat rocks again and is nudged free of the bridge.
Thomas' zip line is still secured to the bridge. The boat
stalls in momentum.
TURNER
Mitchell!
15.
THOMAS
(fiddling with
belt)
Shit. I don't have enough
shuttles.
TURNER
What?
An infected climbs aboard and begins gnawing on Thomas'
line.
THOMAS
No.
He shoots the infected in the face and takes a defensive
stance near the zip line.
THOMAS
This is our ticket off this boat,
go get as many of them as you can.
I'll cover you, and hold it down
here.
(aiming just
behind her)
And be quick about it.
Turner flees toward the hold of the ship.
INT. WITHIN SHIP - NIGHT
The group is inside, behind the tightly locked hatch.
BANGING on the door has everyone terrified. Slight dents are
being made in the metal door.
A Staccato of GUNSHOTS are heard on the other side. A new
metallic sort of BANGING begins, but with a recognizable
rhythm that the group had become familiar with. They rush to
open the door.
Turner bursts in with mask on.
TURNER
Follow me, they're trying to push
us out into open water.
(pointing to where
Thomas was
engaged in combat)
Go there, get on the shuttle.
16.
EXT. SHIP DECK - NIGHT
Thomas kicks a horribly misshapen woman overboard. She
tumbles down vocalizing her frustration through a scream.
Thomas waves for the group over. He hands out two shuttles.
THOMAS
Alright listen up, my line is
attached to this bridge, two
people can go up at a time. The
first one up must take this with
them.
(holds up a small
pistol)
And hold it down.
Two men, BEAR 32 and JOSSEF 27 step forward. Thomas nods and
hands one of them the pistol, the other a shuttle.
THOMAS
Ever used one of these?
Thomas places the shuttle to his line where it is
magnetically attracted. He pushes a button and the small
device leaps up the line toward the bridge. After a moment,
it came back. He pointed to the grips on the device.
THOMAS
Make sure none of you let go. It
will be a fast ascent but will
slow near the top. You won't have
to hold on for long.
(shoots an
infected who
falls in water)
Don't fall in the water.
Jossef clamps his shuttle on the line and stuffs the gun
down his pants. After a deep breath he starts the device,
and climbs to the top.
EXT. KHANTRED REVOLUTION BRIDGE - NIGHT
The zip line is faintly creaking as Jossef climbs over a
border and sends the shuttle back down. He whips out his
pistol and surveys the bridge. The bridge is riddled with
vehicles lined nearly bumper to bumper. The midsection of
the bridge had been destroyed in the war. The wind picks up
and whistles through many of the vehicles half-opened
windows.
17.
Jossef is startled when a hand clangs against the bridge
structure. He rushes to help Bear.
BEAR
Jesus man! Help me up this bloody
thing.
Jossef places his weapon on the hood of a car. Struggling,
he finally gets his partner over the wall and sends the
shuttle back down again.
JOSSEF
(huffing and
puffing)
Fucking dry land. What's her next
big idea.
Bear looks to where the bridge connected with solid ground
and keeps a keen eye on the buildings.
BEAR
Let me see the piece.
He looks over his shoulder to see Jossef helping another
person over the bridge railing. He sighs with frustration
and grabs the weapon left on the hood.
JOSSEF
(dusting pants)
I guess you're going to hold it
down, then.
Ignoring him, Bear spots a lone lit building across from the
parking garage of an office building. His eyes narrow with
suspicion.
EXT. BENEATH SHIP UNDER WATER - NIGHT
The bulb Anta had menaced is slowly sinking down into
darkness. Its glowing attracts a small school of fish who
then instantly scatter when an Infected falls after it with
a wound in it's forehead. A groaning is heard.
EXT. SHIP DECK - NIGHT
The groaning is more pronounced and clear that it is the
zipline.
THOMAS
This thing can't take much more.
Hurry up!
18.
Nearly everyone had been shuttled to the bridge. Thomas
looked the the last few passengers. Rose and two other
elderly people had purposely put themselves behind the group
and now stood terrified next to Turner.
Rose holds Turner's hand in hers.
ROSE
My dear, there is no way we can
make such a trek, we'll have to
take our chances on the ship.
TURNER
No. You can make it... Just hold
on to me.
ROSE
If that was something I could do,
believe me my dear I would.
THOMAS
We don't have time for this, get
on!
TURNER
I'm sorry.
Turner grabs the shuttle and zips up to the bridge.
Thomas shoots a couple more of the Infected and leaves his
weapon with Rose.
THOMAS
Take this.
(peels out two
grenades for Rose)
And these. Good luck.
Rose grabs Thomas by the elbow and grips him tightly.
ROSE
Please. Make sure they get to
safety.
THOMAS
I will. When I get to the top, I
am going to cut the line.
(staring)
You will be on your own.
ROSE
Just keep them safe.
19.
Thomas grabs the shuttle and shoots off up onto the bridge.
Rose began to pray.
EXT. KHANTRED REVOLUTION BRIDGE - NIGHT
Turner helps over Thomas who then promptly cuts the zip line
with a big knife. Bear steps up to Thomas and shoves him
into one of the parked cars. He points the weapon towards
Thomas' chest.
BEAR
There are still people on that
boat and you just cut them loose?
What about us then, you gonna cut
us loose too? Well? Answer me!
TURNER
They chose to stay behind. They
couldn't use the shuttles
properly.
BEAR
(aiming to Turner)
Did you even let them try? How do
you know?
JOSSEF
Ey Bear, relax man, you barely
made it over that damn thing
yourself, right? Jus' take it
easy.
BEAR
(waves gun toward
Jossef)
I don't know if you noticed,
shit-for-brains, but we are on dry
land!
(Back to Turner)
And it's all your fault. Plus, we
know nothing about this guy here.
Bear aims the weapon back to Thomas, who quickly yanks it
from his fidgety grip. He aims the gun to Bear's forehead
and pulls the trigger. A dry empty CLICK is heard and Bear
breaks down into shame and fear.
Thomas primes open the weapon and inserts a clip. A loaded
clip.
JOSSEF
You gave us an unloaded weapon?
20.
THOMAS
Can't trust anyone these days. We
have to get moving.
(looks out toward
boat)
We don't have much time.
TURNER
Where are we supposed to go now?
JOSSEF
We must find shelter and wait out
until daylight.
Bear stands up to face Thomas.
BEAR
Or we can go to your place.
(lifts chin toward
Thomas' hideout)
That's your pad is it not?
Thomas sighs when he notices the lit building in the dead
night of the city.
TURNER
How do we get there?
THOMAS
Follow me.
EXT. KHANTRED CITY - PARKING GARAGE ANNEX - NIGHT
Moving from rooftop to rooftop has the group tired and worn
out. Thomas takes a last glance to where the boat floated in
the bay. The boat is a pinprick now. A Sudden white flash
catches everyones attention and a low rumble makes a few
people moan with anxiety and confusion.
TURNER
They got to Rose.
THOMAS
Rose got them.
TURNER
I've been meaning to ask...
THOMAS
Sixteen years.
21.
TURNER
What...?
THOMAS
I've been alone in this city for
the last sixteen years. After
nearly everyone turned, the
zombies they became starved and
died out. I was left to my own
devices.
TURNER
Oh. Well... That wasn't my
question but good to know.
THOMAS
Haven't seen a healthy woman in
all that time neither.
TURNER
I'm not sure I'm the one you
should share such information
with.
THOMAS
Right. Right. What's the question.
TURNER
Back on the boat... You gave me a
loaded weapon but an empty one to
Jossef and Bear. Why?
Thomas steps past Turner to crank the lever that connected
the garage to his building. The group waited by some parked
cars close to Jossef who now held the loaded weapon.
THOMAS
I've never seen the Infected glow
or use body parts as weapons or
coordinate any attack of any kind.
But it was clear to me, that they
wanted the boat. What's on it?
TURNER
On it? We lived out on the sea in
that thing. It was our home.
THOMAS
(stops in
mid-crank)
Just home you say? Weren't you
working on some sort of cure? You
need a lab for such work right?
22.
TURNER
Yes. But it doesn't matter now.
It's probably at the bottom of the
bay by now.
THOMAS
Unlikely. We saw the explosions,
there's no way that grenades on
deck would sink that thing.
(finishes the
crank)
We'll go back after we rest a bit.
After you.
The bridge to Thomas' rooftop is lined with the garage and
everyone makes it across. Thomas pulls up the rear with Bear
just in front of him.
BEAR
I apologize about earlier, I was
just scared and I've heard so many
horrible things about land and...
THOMAS
Don't worry about it. Get inside
and clean yourself up.
(looks past Bear
toward the rest)
Only the two consecutive floors
are accessible! The rest is
trapped!
BEAR
I thank you... um...
THOMAS
(extending hand)
Thomas.
BEAR
(Grasps hand)
Bear, at your service.
Everyone except Thomas is inside. He is staring out to the
boat. There is a faint glow around the deck that seemed to
shimmer. Thomas lifts a pair of goggles to his eyes. On
deck, the Infected are moving all around the boat like flies
on a carcass.
He lowers the goggles and thinks back to when the war began.
23.
EXT. UPPER ATMOSPHERE OF KHANTRED COLONY BG-291 - DAY
21 YEARS AGO.
A rectangular satellite with the initials "K. H. B."
revolves around the planet Khantred. WHIRRING is heard from
the device as it focuses on a sudden combustion in the
atmosphere. The image zooms to follow a meteorite heading
for the southern pole of the planet.
The meteorite suddenly changes direction for the equator and
separates into multiple pieces. As the pieces fan out, there
is a symmetry to the fanning that resembles a spider web.
INT. KHANTRED CITY-HIGH SCHOOL 44 - VR TRAINING ROOM - DAY
A drill Sergeant, ROY 44, is equipped with a VR Gun and
demonstrates its hazards by shooting a cadet, JOSH 17, who
failed to show on time.
ROY
What was that maggot? You too
tired to come out to play today?
JOSH
(wincing)
Sir, no sir!
ROY
Then why don't you explain to the
squad why you cannot get with the
program?
(firing twice more)
I said, Report!
JOSH
Sir. Um... Sir!
ROY
You are supposed to be...
A dull hum that had been present has grown to an unavoidable
roar as students and staff clamored against windows and
fences to see the opening web above them.
Roy dropped the VR weapon and the exercise dissolved as he
made his way to the front of the building.
Thomas approaches Josh and helps him to his feet.
24.
JOSH
(straightening
uniform)
Thanks bro.
THOMAS
Just try to keep up with the big
boys, ok?
JOSH
Sure. What the hell is going on?
Not that I miss my weekly torture
from sergeant dick-head.
THOMAS
Can't say. Everyone is looking at
some sort of web in the sky.
JOSH
Web? Maybe one of the satellites
hit something up there. Blew up.
THOMAS
(looking out)
Looks too close to have been
something like that. Might be a
fragmenting meteorite. We still
really know very little about this
planet, y'know.
JOSH
Oh please, you believe that whole,
"Goldie Lock" theory too?
THOMAS
No. But it is interesting to find
such a fertile planet with no
sentient life on it. Isn't it?
JOSH
Sure. Sure it is. When we get
home, Don't tell mom I was late
again.
Thomas jabs Josh in the arm.
THOMAS
Long as you're in time for dinner.
EXT. ROOFTOP (HOME) - NIGHT
25.
PRESENT
Thomas is still standing, watching the Infected scrounge
about on the boat.
THOMAS
What are you looking for?
He spots an Infected who he recognized all too well. Charles
stands out on deck with luminescent skin and an almost calm
demeanor.
THOMAS
Hello, Charles. Who let you out.
He could see Charles look in his general direction. Charles
approaches the rim of the promenade with arms outstretched
and drool falling from his mouth. He hits the railing and
falls into the water.
THOMAS
Oop. Bad move there Charlie.
Thomas focuses the goggles on the surfaces and turns various
dials on the goggles to get a clear image of the water, with
no success. He retracts the annex bridge and heads for the
6th floor.
INT. 6TH FLOOR - NIGHT
The group sat on the padded floor and let their eyes wander
about the expansive studio floor. Jossef was looking over
Thomas' gun collection. Bear was helping a younger lady,
RACHEL 22, with her shoes. Turner is just coming up from the
lower floor. Thomas stood by the rooftop access way, unsure
of what to do.
THOMAS
So uh, Charles is loose and I
think he's on his way here.
Turner comes closer, surprise in her eyes.
TURNER
Are you certain?
THOMAS
(hands her goggles)
look for yourself, I recorded it.
Just push this button and look
through here.
26.
As Thomas and Turner reviewed the footage. Bear continued to
talk to Rachel, who wasn't doing too good.
BEAR
I'm telling you pumpkin, it's just
land sickness. we all got it.
(holding her arms
then legs)
See? no bites. no scratches.
RACHEL
Just the land sickness?
BEAR
Exactly pumpkin. Now you really
should just get some rest.
RACHEL
How am I supposed to sleep when
we're on land Bear?
Jossef interrupts with a swagger emphasized by the peeking
weapon in his pants.
JOSSEF
I'd rather be out there with the
Web freaks than sitting here
listening to you moan and groan
about having your feet on the
ground. Honestly, this feels more
natural. You forget your roots.
He struts away to the wall covered with various firearms and
continues admiring them.
BEAR
Don't listen to that bloke
pumpkin, just wait here a minute
while I go figure something out.
RACHEL
Alright Bear.
Bear approaches Thomas and taps him on the shoulder.
THOMAS
What is it, Bear?
BEAR
My apologies Thomas, it's just
that the lot of us is hungry and
tired. Do you happen to have any
food? Extra blankets and such?
27.
THOMAS
I suppose I do. There are a few
rooms below filled with linen and
thing of that sort. New clothes
too. Make everyone comfortable
here.
(while walking
away)
I'll deal with dinner.
Turner lowers the goggles and stands in thought.
TURNER
(whispered)
What are you up to, Charles?
A sharp laugh erupts from one side of the room. It is
Jossef. He is hefting a large Whicker Bat, and glaring
wide-eyed at the initials on the wood.
JOSSEF
No way! Why's this on this wall?
He glances about the room and is embarrassed by all eyes on
him, he replaces the bat on the wall.
INT. KHANTRED CITY - THOMAS & JOSH HOME - NIGHT
21 YEARS AGO.
The brothers are at the dinner table with Mother 47 when
breaking news interrupts the Whicker game in progress. Josh
sees that it's about the web seen in the sky today, he
increases the volume. Everyone freezes.
REPORTER
Reports are still coming in from
all over the planet. We interrupt
this program to bring you breaking
news about the "web" in the sky
today. At roughly 3:12 pm,
citizens witnessed a rare
meteorite impact with Khantred
surface today. The meteorite,
estimated to be just under a
half-mile long broke up during
entry into the atmosphere. But
what captured citizens eyes was
the perfect break-up of the
meteorite, giving it it's own
name. We have with us a specialist
of atmospheric phenomena...
28.
Josh had turned the volume down and looked outside once
again.
THOMAS
What do you expect to find there,
huh?
JOSH
I dunno. But the trails are still
up there. It really does look like
a giant web in the sky.
While Josh was craning his neck to look out of the window,
Mother notices the bruises peeking out from his school
uniform.
MOTHER
Say Josh, how was school today?
JOSH
(looking to
Thomas, then down
into food bowl)
Well, before we got sent home for
this debris warning. The day
wasn't bad at all.
THOMAS
Yeah. Not bad at all.
MOTHER
Hmm. So how are things with that
young lady friend of yours. ALl is
well there too I presume?
(eyeballing Josh's
neckline)
She must be quite a handful.
JOSH
Oh Mom. No this isn't from Beth. I
was... uh...
THOMAS
Bullied at the school gym. I
stepped in before they got to his
face.
Thomas takes a swig of his beverage and stifles a belch. His
eyes wander to Josh's where relief had set in and his
shoulders were relaxed.
29.
MOTHER
Oh Josh. Again? It's been nearly
three years since the last time
somebody has bullied you! Ever
since your brother switched back
to this region high school.
(pointing with
raised eyebrows)
You know, your father was picked
on in his school years too.
JOSH
(picking food)
He get a lot of hickeys too?
THOMAS
(glancing to mom)
Hehe.
MOTHER
Oh Josh well, that is just none of
your business.
(smiles)
But you're your father's son.
You'll figure it out.
JOSH
Someday. Somewhere.
Josh is about to say something else when he catches footage
of rioting. He increases the volume once more. The reporter
on screen is visibly upset and has trouble speaking.
REPORTER
...Unclear as to how the epidemic
has started but sources indicate
that the fragments of today's
"web" meteor have biological
material within them. The symptoms
of exposure include dementia,
violence, suicidal behavior,
unexplained... Sir? Is this
accurate?
(shuffling papers)
and cannibalistic tendencies.
THOMAS
What the fuck?
Josh had stood up and was looking outside of the window once
more. This time, fear was making his body rock in place.
30.
THOMAS
Josh?
JOSH
Do you see that? The web, It
wasn't smoke. It's falling.
A sound of light rain begins. Small droplets land on the
windows and in the streets below. The drops are black in
color and extremely viscous. Josh puts a hand to the window.
The drop converge to the warmth on the glass to form a mass.
THOMAS
Put your hand down. What the hell
is that stuff?
Josh pulls his hand away and watches the black sludge form
from the shape of his hand, to encompass the whole window.
small creaks go unnoticed.
JOSH
I don't know...
(he looks to his
hand.)
It felt cold.
MOTHER
I'm going to call waste
management. Perhaps they can get
this stuff out of here.
Mother gets up from her chair. the creaking caused by her
masks the sludges progress in dismantling the glass.
THOMAS
(suddenly tense.)
Mom! don't move... The glass,
it's...
Before Thomas can finish his sentence, the glass buckled and
the mass of sludge had produced a massive crack. Then the
sludge charged forward through the tiny entrance and
consumed Mother in a moment.
THOMAS
No!
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
31.
PRESENT
Thomas was sweating from his bad dream and now sat up in his
bed breathing heavily. A KNOCK on his door rouses him up out
of bed.
He opens the door to find Mitchell standing there cross
legged.
THOMAS
Can I do something for you kid?
MITCHELL
You only have one bathroom. What's
the code to the roof?
Rubbing his eyes, he looks again.
THOMAS
Why, you goin' to pee off of the
roof?
(yawn)
It's windy up there. You sure?
Mitchell starting not quite hopping but not quite staying
planted to the floor. Yawning again, Thomas point down the
hall to the FOOD ROOM.
THOMAS
Use the spot where you see dirt.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Mitchell quickly shuffles his way down the hall. He looks
through a window while passing and stands there in fright.
Urine flows out the bottom of his pant-leg.
MITCHELL
Dad?
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
Thomas is going through his morning regiment when he hears a
commotion coming from the FOOD ROOM. He steps out into the
hallway.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Thomas notices Mitchell standing at one end of the hall way.
He approaches him but then moves cautiously when he notices
32.
the puddle by his feet and how close he stood next to the
window.
THOMAS
Mitch. You okay?
(grabbing a fire
extinguisher from
a wall mount)
What're you looking at?
MITCHELL
Da... Daa.... Dad... He's out
there. He's. Watching me.
Thomas rushes forward to see through the window.
THOMAS
(whispered)
Where?
MITCHELL
(pointing beyond
parking lot)
He was right there in the street.
Just staring at me.
Thomas didn't see anyone. He didn't quite brush it off
though.
THOMAS
Go back to my bedroom, find some
clothes. Meet us upstairs.
INT. 6TH FLOOR - DAY
Most of the people were asleep. Turner was next to a window.
Bear was lying on his back. Rachel had cuddled up to him.
Jossef slept in a way where the first thing he'd see when he
woke up was Thomas' weapon wall.
BEAR
(yawning)
Hey pumpkin, you hungry?
(nudging Rachel)
Hey, Rachel?
Bear rolled Rachel over a became more agitated. Rachel had
no color in her skin. she was cold to the touch. a lone pill
bottle sat next to him. Bear picks it up.
BEAR
Oh dear... No. No. No.
33.
Turner had noticed the commotion and was upon Rachel. She
felt for a pulse. She shook her head.
TURNER
Bear. I'm sorry. She's gone. She's
been dead for a few hours now.
BEAR
(wiping tears)
Yeah. I should've done something.
She..
Jossef had been awakened by the commotion and now knelt
beside Bear. Thomas came in around this time.
THOMAS
Hey Doc, We got a situation...
What happened here?
TURNER
Suicide.
THOMAS
She bitten? Scratched?
TURNER
No, she overdosed on pills.
THOMAS
Shit. I think Charles is stalking
us.
TURNER
You saw him?
THOMAS
(shaking head)
Mitch did. Or he says he did. I
believe him.
(grabbiing
Turner's arm)
I've lived here disease free for
what seemed an eternity. You
brought this new plague. There's
something you're not telling me.
TURNER
There is... but this is not the
place to discuss it. Shall we head
up to the roof?
34.
BEAR
Excuse me, uh Thomas. What can we
do with the body?
THOMAS
(heading to roof)
Follow us up. Burn it.
EXT. ROOFTOP (HOME) - DAY
Bear and Jossef carried up Rachel's body and deposited her
on a makeshift fire pit Thomas had built before. Bear stood
over Rachel for a minute, then went back down with Jossef's
arm on his back.
THOMAS
I burned a lot of bodies here.
Most were of the Infected.
TURNER
Most...?
THOMAS
Yeah. The others were just bodies
who had yet to be given a proper
burial.
TURNER
She took her own life... What
stopped you from taking your own?
All alone in this whole city...
THOMAS
The local library can keep anybody
occupied.
TURNER
I see.
THOMAS
That... and I was looking for
someone.
INT. KHANTRED CITY - THOMAS & JOSH HOME - NIGHT
21 YEARS AGO.
Mother was fighting the sludge and losing fast. She seemed
to sink into the floor, but the brothers could tell that she
was dissolving. The sludge grew in mass and now used the
35.
remnants of Mother's body, mainly her legs, to propel itself
toward Josh.
THOMAS
Josh! Get back!
Thomas pushes the dinner table over the sludge and watched
the wood crack and splinter as it was consumed as well.
JOSH
Oh God. Mom! NO!
while the table rocked and bobbed in the viscous fluid,
Thomas grabbed Josh's arm and darted for the bottom floor.
INT. KHANTRED CITY - THOMAS & JOSH HOME STAIRWELL - DAY
The brothers had gotten more than halfway to the ground
floor when Josh spotted a dark form skipping up the stairs.
It was one of the building's residents, what was left of her
was clawing it's way up the stairs. The ooze shot forward
stringy tendrils which it used to drag itself up the stairs.
It's pace quickened.
JOSH
Back up, back up.
Josh motioned toward the roof and ushered Thomas to follow.
THOMAS
It was raining down remember? It's
definitely on the roof.
JOSH
I think it's attracted to
biological material. Remember how
is shaped my hand?
THOMAS
Remember how it ate Mom?
JOSH
Trust me Thomas. The roof is our
best bet out of here.
They run up to the roof without incident. They could hear
their neighbors holler in pain and fear the whole way up.
36.
EXT. KHANTRED CITY - THOMAS & JOSH HOME (ROOFTOP) - DAY
Thomas carefully edged the roof access door open and scanned
the roof. It was charcoal black, he couldn't tell if the
sludge was on the roof or not. But he could see
evac-choppers on various other roof tops. He rushed out and
started waving his arms.
THOMAS
Over here! Hey!
Josh came up next to him to help. He left the roof access
door open.
JOSH
(cupping mouth)
Down here! Hey! Pick us up!
A chopper in the distance makes its way over to the roof and
lets out a ladder for the boys to climb onto. Thomas grabs
the ladder and pulls it toward Josh. Who disappeared from
his spot. He whips his head around looking for him. He spots
him being dragged by into the stairwell.
THOMAS
No! Josh! NOOO!!!
JOSH
Go! Just Go! Jus!
(Screaming in pain)
Get Oud-da heee!
Thomas watched in horror as he was lifted up from the
building. He watched the ooze rip his brother apart. His
last words were garbled by the change in his anatomy.
When Thomas was among other evacuees in the chopper, and far
enough away from the building, he approached the cabin and
shook the pilot's shoulder.
THOMAS
What the hell is happening!?
PILOT
Evacuating the city! It looks like
we're going to war!
THOMAS
War? With who?
The pilot point his forefinger toward the sky.
37.
PILOT
Them!
EXT. ROOFTOP (HOME) - DAY
Rachel's body is nearly burned out. Turner sits near the
building's edge with Thomas. She looks out over to where the
boat was.
TURNER
We have to find that boat. All of
my work is on there, to stop this.
THOMAS
Your work brought this here.
(arms crossed)
It was quiet before you came.
TURNER
Perhaps, but the infection still
survives in some parts of the
planet. Mainly the ones with heavy
vegetation and wildlife.
THOMAS
Why did they attack us?
TURNER
You familiar with the Goldie Locks
theory?
THOMAS
That's all they talked about
during the war.
TURNER
So you know. Some people believe
this planet is the equivalent of a
lure in water. A fresh piece of
bait for other sentient life to be
trapped on.
THOMAS
If that's true then who's doing
the fishing? And why didn't they
attack us all those centuries ago
when we landed here?
38.
TURNER
They probably did. It just took
that long for the package to
arrive. At this point we can only
speculate.
THOMAS
After the web was sent, they sent
more meteors to cause damage. Each
meteor was targeting a main city.
we know this wasn't a freak of
nature. We've found bits of their
kamikaze pilots within the
obliterated rock. Ugly
motherfuckers.
TURNER
Yes I remember. I was in a
resident program at the time. We
had eradicated the web by then.
The damage was too much to contain
the mutation though.
THOMAS
All of it for nothing.
Turner heads back down inside the building. Thomas scans the
road below him in contemplation. As his eyes wander he
catches movement in the parking garage behind one of the
vehicles.
THOMAS
(whispered)
Hello, Charles.
He runs down to grab a weapon.
INT. 6TH FLOOR - DAY
Jossef had taken the liberty to start cleaning many of
Thomas's weapons. Upon arriving, Thomas is bewildered by the
action.
THOMAS
Like guns this much eh?
JOSSEF
Only for the sake of surviving,
yes.
39.
THOMAS
Well, grab a rifle, we got company
across the way.
FADE OUT.
EXT. SHIP DECK - NIGHT
TURNER moves through a darkened promenade with several
PEOPLE close behind. She waves them over to a hatch and
signals them to get inside. She waves the flashlight behind
the group with visible unease. CHARLES, 38, grabs her
shoulder.
CHARLES
(Whispering)
Doctor! We must stop the boat.
FRANCESCA TURNER, 35, grabs Charles and shoves him after the
others. She shines the light on either side and out into the
water, then answers.
TURNER
There is no time. We take our
chances and wait.
CHARLES
(peeking outside
hatch)
Doctor, we could end up floating
out here for weeks.
TURNER
Or we hit land.
At the word "land" the group is visibly agitated. Charles
takes a step forward and cocks his head.
CHARLES
You cannot be serious, Land's a
last resort. We can finish this
here, there's no need for...
A MAN appears at one end of the promenade. He is walking
unsteadily toward the two. He calls to them in nonsense.
MAN
My pony just iffinified her trouf
douse for the carrots kill.
TURNER
(slightly raised)
Hey! You stay right there for me
okay? Don't come any closer.
(to Charles)
Get inside.
2.
CHARLES
(pushing past
Turner)
No, You get inside. I am going to
stop the boat. Find us a cure.
CHARLES closes the hatch behind TURNER and turns to face the
MAN. He grabs the MAN and throws him overboard. He is
bitten. He looks out to confirm a splash, reacts to the
wound, and races up the length of the ship.
INT. CONTROL ROOM - NIGHT
Charles is occupied with a control station, all the while
talking to himself.
CHARLES
(whispered,
hurried)
Two minutes and 47 seconds after
exposure from infected. another
minute or two or two or two or
two...
Charles stands for a moment, lost in thought as if suddenly
forgetting what he was doing. He steps away from the
consoles and wheels to face a mirror posted in the room. He
smashes it and uses the pieces to slit his wrists.
CHARLES
(singing)
I'm blue, my dog died today I'm
blue, carry penguin freckles into
oblivion, I'm blue. Blue. Blue,
forget dead?
Charles' voice slowly dulls into humming. The boat has not
stopped and continues to barrel on at it's velocity toward
the city of Khantred.
EXT. KHANTRED CITY - DAY
An abandoned city slowly being taken back by nature. A
building with what at first appears to be giant spiderwebs
branching from it to other buildings stands in the city.
From the intricacies of the web, which are horizontal
pulleys, and the cluttered ground below, travel is possible
by rooftop. The building is humming with music. The rest
stands still and dead.
3.
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
Sounds of music fill the room along with intermittent sounds
of quick breathing. Thomas, 40, is using a pull-up bar. He
allows himself back down and changes music before going into
hallway.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Thomas walks to one end of the hallway and looks through a
PEEPHOLE on the stairway access door. Through the PEEPHOLE
are a variety of barricades, traps and alarms blocking
access from the lower floors. No traps have gone off. He
steps back, satisfied, and makes his way further down the
hall.
INT. FOOD ROOM - DAY
Thomas is greeted by CHIRPS and HOOTS from various
Avian-like animals similar to Ducks. He replies.
THOMAS
(tossing feed)
Hello. How are we today? Need more
water? You get my shit?
The "Ducks" cackle and shake their tails in response. Thomas
grabs their waste pan and washes the contents into a small
dirt pail. He crosses the room and pours the concoction into
a glowing vegetable/fruit garden, filled at capacity with
bright colors and green life.
THOMAS
(checking firmness
of various fruits)
Yeah I got you babies the good
shit today, How are we? Nice and
plump yes?
He replaces the pan in the "Duck" area and steps out of the
Food Room.
INT. 6TH FLOOR - DAY
The whole floor is a massive studio. Three walls of the
floor has been converted to hold equipment. One wall is
ordained with various firearms and cutting weapons. Another
is filled with punching bags and a small all-around gym. The
one closest to the windows has communication equipment.
Thomas is in the center practicing a martial art while
4.
listening to an audio-book.A HUM takes over the whole
building. He stops in mid-rep and taps a control on his hip.
The building is quiet for a moment but a faint humming is
heard. Thomas races to a window and scans the streets below.
Nothing. He races for the roof for a better view.
EXT. ROOFTOP (HOME) - DAY
Thomas is on the roof looking all around the edge of the
building. The distant sound of a foghorn causes him to look
up toward the bridge. There, on the water and impact buried
in one of the bridge supports, sat a ship.
INT. 6TH FLOOR - DAY
Thomas suits up with riot gear and a few weapons. Picks up
RADIO.
THOMAS
(yelling)
This is Khantred City. Anyone hear
me? come in!
He moves for the roof.
EXT. SHIP DECK - DAY
After using the gondola system to reach the ground and
securing his rappel line to the boat, Thomas scans the deck
with a drawn shotgun.
THOMAS
(hesitant)
Hello? Anybody here?
(examining a
passageway)
Better let me know you're there!
A loud BANG BANG BANG.
INT. WITHIN SHIP - DAY
Turner is huddled with many other people who are cautiously
listening to Thomas. She lets out another rap of noise.
THOMAS
(faint)
Not good enough! Say something!
5.
TURNER
(hesitant yelling)
I am here with other people who
need help! I'm a doctor!
The hatch swings open with Thomas aiming a very big gun at
EVERYBODY.
THOMAS
(smirking)
You don't say. So. You're a
doctor?
TURNER
(hands raised)
Yes. We need to get off this...
THOMAS
(aiming at Turner)
You infected?
Turner quickly glances around to everyone and turns back to
Thomas' boomstick.
TURNER
Not us. But everyone else.
THOMAS
(lowering weapon)
Ha,cute. Any reason you decided to
smash into this particular part of
the bay?
TURNER
(lowering arms)
We lost the crew of this ship.
(glancing about
the room)
some family and friends.
Thomas turns around to scan the decks.
THOMAS
So you just didn't know how to
drive this thing?
TURNER
(waving arm)
This is all of us left. We've been
adrift for four days, locked in
this room until we heard your
call.
6.
THOMAS
Locked in? So, who rang the horn?
TURNER
None of us did.
MITCHELL, 12, walks up to Turner, unafraid of Thomas.
MITCHELL
Maybe my Dad did.
TURNER
Mitch, We both know the chances of
that.
Turner puts a palm on Mitchell's forehead. While assessing
the boy's condition, she looks Thomas up and down.
Thomas lowers himself to Mitchell's level, recognizing the
boy's courage.
THOMAS
Hey big man. What was that about
your father?
MITCHELL
(staring at
Thomas' suit)
He's out there somewhere. He was
trying to stop the boat.
Thomas stands and faces Turner.
THOMAS
So what are the chances he failed?
Thomas steps out of the hatch followed by Turner and
everyone else.
EXT. SHIP DECK - DAY
The deck is littered with brick and other rubble from the
bridge impact. Thomas moves along a path between the rubble
with his weapon drawn. The group of people stay a good way
behind. He talks to himself.
THOMAS
(under breath)
Ask and you shall receive. Be
careful what you wish for. All I
wanted was for some rain, or
tornadoes, but no. Today I get a
(MORE)
7.
THOMAS (cont'd)
boat.
Mitchell runs up to Thomas, slips on rubble and makes lots
of NOISE. Thomas whips around.
THOMAS
And kids.
MITCHELL
Hey! I'm not a kid.
THOMAS
Look kid, I need you to stick with
your people. I can't be
responsible for you.
MITCHELL
(defiant)
I'm looking for my Dad, the
control room is this way.
Mitchell points back in the opposite direction Thomas was
going.
THOMAS
(impressed)
Right. Stay behind me.
Thomas passes through the group and finds Turner calming
people. She sees Mitchell and grabs his arm.
TURNER
I told you to stay with us. Don't
make me confine you in the hatch.
MITCHELL
(stuttering)
Bu.. but the man. He was going...
going the wrong way.
TURNER
I don't care Mitchell! You cannot
just go walking out here! Don't
you understand that?
(hugging)
We've already lost your father, we
can't lose you too.
MITCHELL
(pushing off)
Somebody stopped the boat Doc.
Someone rang the horn.
(looks up to
(MORE)
8.
MITCHELL (cont'd)
Thomas)
Who else but my Dad?
THOMAS
Kid's got a point.
(hands Turner a
weapon)
I'll be right back.
(kneeling)
As for you big man. Do as the Doc
tells you ok?
(standing)
I'll be right back.
Thomas continues toward the control room.
INT. CONTROL ROOM - DAY
The floor is caked with blood. The control station screens
are filled with static, and broken glass is everywhere.
Thomas notices footprints on the screen and in odd places
around the room.
THOMAS
(muttering)
Not infected my ass.
A mutated Charles bashes into the room from a window. Glass
is pinned in his face and his torso. He eyes Thomas with
Cataract eyes and utters a series of coughs.
THOMAS
(pulling bandana
over mouth and
nose)
Not infected my ass!
Charles leaps into the air toward Thomas. Thomas spins a
kick to Charles' head, sending him crashing back onto the
screens.
Charles sits up to look at Thomas. Thomas has a baton
flicked out and cracking his neck.
THOMAS
You rang?
Charles screams with fury and lunges for Thomas' throat.
Thomas steps aside and hits Charles in the back of the head.
9.
Charles is unconscious but still breathing. Thomas ties him
up and walks back out to the group.
EXT. SHIP DECK - DAY
Thomas walks toward the group. He opens a pouch in his suit
and pulls out a can. Before he gets too close to the group
he had sprayed himself and his equipment. The group is
agitated by the action. Thomas walks up to Turner and grabs
her.
THOMAS
(muffled)
Not infected you say?
(lowers bandana)
Bullshit!
TURNER
(hesitant)
Who... Who did you find?
THOMAS
(releases her)
Some blond guy. He's infected.
MITCHELL
Dad...
TURNER
Did you kill him?
THOMAS
No. He's tied up.
Mitchell darts toward the control room.
TURNER
(following)
Mitchell! Wait! Stop!
Thomas sprints ahead of Mitchell and blocks the door to the
control room.
MITCHELL
(out of breath)
Step aside. Now.
(shoving against
Thomas)
I said now! Dad! Dad! Can you hear
me?
10.
THOMAS
Keep it together man.
MITCHELL
Open the damn door!
TURNER
Mitchell... Sweetie, listen to me.
MITCHELL
You let him die! I hate you! I
hate you!
Mitchell pushes past Turner back toward the group of people.
An elderly woman, ROSE 75, holds him close, allowing him to
sob out his frustration. Turner is monotone.
TURNER
(addressing the
group)
Everyone, please go back inside,
this deck isn't safe.
(turning to Thomas)
I need to see him.
THOMAS
Look Doc, He's one of them. He
could be awake right now waiting
for someone to get in real close.
TURNER
We can't let him suffer.
(pointing to a
pouch on THomas'
suit)
That spray... Was that a
sanitizer?
THOMAS
Only the best.
TURNER
How well is he restrained?
(looking over edge)
Could he swim?
THOMAS
You want to just chuck him into
the bay?
(looking toward
Mitchell)
What about the kid?
11.
TURNER
He'll understand. Come on, you got
spare gloves?
The two open the hatch to the control room and step inside.
While the group moves back to the room they were confined
in, a ANTA and PHILLIP are left behind. They are arguing.
ANTA
No you listen to me, you jerk. I
have been cooped up in that room
for too damn long. Give. Me. My.
Space.
PHILLIP
Honey, please. we can't be here.
Anything can come rolling off this
bridge and attack us.
ANTA
It's day time! Besides, I have
been waiting oh so long for this.
She retrieves a small pen-like object from her pocket, pulls
it apart and dumps its contents onto her palm. A small
luminescent plant bulb sits in her hand along with a
toothpick. She prods the bulb with the toothpick and watches
intently as the glow intensifies. The bulb glows brightly
momentarily then ejects a cloud of noxious gas. Anta quickly
inhales the puff ball.
ANTA
(exhaling smoke)
Oh. Yeah. You wanna hit of this.
PHILLIP
No. Now hurry up, we shouldn't be
here.
A flock of alien birds burst from the bridge foundation. The
man is jumpy, the woman mildly irritated. The birds pan out
into an aerodynamic flightpath, flying towards the
mountains. Towards the sun.
ANTA
(chuckling)
Pussy.
She fumbles to put the bulb back in the pen, it falls out
and rolls away toward the edge. While following it down, she
studies the foundation. She WHISTLES when she sees the
damage caused by the crash. The man stares at the birds.
12.
The side of the boat facing the crevice where the birds flew
from is covered with numerous men creeping up the side of
the boat.
INT. CONTROL ROOM - DAY
Charles lies breathing calmly on the floor, twitching ever
so often. Thomas and Turner stand above him, gloves and face
masks on.Turner crouches.
TURNER
Incredible. The mutation process
is far more unstable than I
originally thought.
THOMAS
What exactly were you guys doing
on this boat?
TURNER
I was conducting research. Trying
to find a cure to this disease. I
was on the brink of cracking its
code when it activated it's own
self-defense mechanism.
THOMAS
which was?
TURNER
(prying open
Charles' lips)
More violent mutations. But this
is fascinating.
(fingers on
Charles neck)
He's still alive, and breathing.
THOMAS
Yeah I noticed that too. But
that's more bad news than anything
right?
TURNER
(standing)
I'm afraid so. Originally the
disease used the host to spread by
inducing suicidal behavior. Once
the host was clinically dead, the
mutations would take over and the
host would become...
13.
THOMAS
Like a zombie, I know.
TURNER
But this... He's breathing.
Perhaps the disease has rewritten
its own code and skipped over the
suicide pre-requisite or maybe...
THOMAS
You still tossing him overboard?
TURNER
(sighing)
No no I don't think that would be
such a good idea.
A SCREAM is heard from outside the hatch.
THOMAS
What the hell?
TURNER
(flustered.)
Oh, no.
EXT. SHIP DECK - DAY
The sun grows dimmer. Turner uses a flashlight to see past
the bridge's shadow on the promenade.
THOMAS
We don't have time for this. Let's
get back with the others and wait
till morning.
The deck is slick with water. SPLASHING is heard over the
edge. Thomas aims over. Anta is thrashing about.
ANTA
(treading water)
Help me! They've got me! Don't let
th-
Anta is pulled under a brief moment then surfaces with
lacerations along her chest, face, and neck.
WOMAN
(gurgling)
No.
14.
Blood taints the river's color. Anta is tugged under once
more, but does not rise again. A SLAM is heard back on
board.
Thomas whips around with his gun drawn to find Charles
struggling towards the lip of the hatch. Thomas closes it
before Charles breaks through his bonds.
Thomas follows a set of wet footprints around a corner.
Phillip is feebly trying to push the Infected off of his
neck. The deck is slick with his blood and the Infected are
slipping over one another to gain ground on their feast.
THOMAS
Holy shit.
Two of the Infected, the ones gnawing on the man's chest,
looked up with whiteout eyes and purpling slightly luminous
skin. One inhales and lets out a roar.
The boat rocks on the water. Thomas hears echoing grunts and
glances over the edge. Some of the infected are pushing
against the boat. Prying it out of its impact with the
bridge.
THOMAS
We have to get off this thing.
(handing Turner a
face mask)
We better be quick.
Thomas turns to the group of infected and sees that they had
quartered the man and held his limbs like clubs.
TURNER
My God...
Thomas opens fire on the group. The majority are killed but
a few manage to jump over board.
THOMAS
(looking toward
Turner)
Let's go, we can't let them push
us out into the bay.
The boat rocks again and is nudged free of the bridge.
Thomas' zip line is still secured to the bridge. The boat
stalls in momentum.
TURNER
Mitchell!
15.
THOMAS
(fiddling with
belt)
Shit. I don't have enough
shuttles.
TURNER
What?
An infected climbs aboard and begins gnawing on Thomas'
line.
THOMAS
No.
He shoots the infected in the face and takes a defensive
stance near the zip line.
THOMAS
This is our ticket off this boat,
go get as many of them as you can.
I'll cover you, and hold it down
here.
(aiming just
behind her)
And be quick about it.
Turner flees toward the hold of the ship.
INT. WITHIN SHIP - NIGHT
The group is inside, behind the tightly locked hatch.
BANGING on the door has everyone terrified. Slight dents are
being made in the metal door.
A Staccato of GUNSHOTS are heard on the other side. A new
metallic sort of BANGING begins, but with a recognizable
rhythm that the group had become familiar with. They rush to
open the door.
Turner bursts in with mask on.
TURNER
Follow me, they're trying to push
us out into open water.
(pointing to where
Thomas was
engaged in combat)
Go there, get on the shuttle.
16.
EXT. SHIP DECK - NIGHT
Thomas kicks a horribly misshapen woman overboard. She
tumbles down vocalizing her frustration through a scream.
Thomas waves for the group over. He hands out two shuttles.
THOMAS
Alright listen up, my line is
attached to this bridge, two
people can go up at a time. The
first one up must take this with
them.
(holds up a small
pistol)
And hold it down.
Two men, BEAR 32 and JOSSEF 27 step forward. Thomas nods and
hands one of them the pistol, the other a shuttle.
THOMAS
Ever used one of these?
Thomas places the shuttle to his line where it is
magnetically attracted. He pushes a button and the small
device leaps up the line toward the bridge. After a moment,
it came back. He pointed to the grips on the device.
THOMAS
Make sure none of you let go. It
will be a fast ascent but will
slow near the top. You won't have
to hold on for long.
(shoots an
infected who
falls in water)
Don't fall in the water.
Jossef clamps his shuttle on the line and stuffs the gun
down his pants. After a deep breath he starts the device,
and climbs to the top.
EXT. KHANTRED REVOLUTION BRIDGE - NIGHT
The zip line is faintly creaking as Jossef climbs over a
border and sends the shuttle back down. He whips out his
pistol and surveys the bridge. The bridge is riddled with
vehicles lined nearly bumper to bumper. The midsection of
the bridge had been destroyed in the war. The wind picks up
and whistles through many of the vehicles half-opened
windows.
17.
Jossef is startled when a hand clangs against the bridge
structure. He rushes to help Bear.
BEAR
Jesus man! Help me up this bloody
thing.
Jossef places his weapon on the hood of a car. Struggling,
he finally gets his partner over the wall and sends the
shuttle back down again.
JOSSEF
(huffing and
puffing)
Fucking dry land. What's her next
big idea.
Bear looks to where the bridge connected with solid ground
and keeps a keen eye on the buildings.
BEAR
Let me see the piece.
He looks over his shoulder to see Jossef helping another
person over the bridge railing. He sighs with frustration
and grabs the weapon left on the hood.
JOSSEF
(dusting pants)
I guess you're going to hold it
down, then.
Ignoring him, Bear spots a lone lit building across from the
parking garage of an office building. His eyes narrow with
suspicion.
EXT. BENEATH SHIP UNDER WATER - NIGHT
The bulb Anta had menaced is slowly sinking down into
darkness. Its glowing attracts a small school of fish who
then instantly scatter when an Infected falls after it with
a wound in it's forehead. A groaning is heard.
EXT. SHIP DECK - NIGHT
The groaning is more pronounced and clear that it is the
zipline.
THOMAS
This thing can't take much more.
Hurry up!
18.
Nearly everyone had been shuttled to the bridge. Thomas
looked the the last few passengers. Rose and two other
elderly people had purposely put themselves behind the group
and now stood terrified next to Turner.
Rose holds Turner's hand in hers.
ROSE
My dear, there is no way we can
make such a trek, we'll have to
take our chances on the ship.
TURNER
No. You can make it... Just hold
on to me.
ROSE
If that was something I could do,
believe me my dear I would.
THOMAS
We don't have time for this, get
on!
TURNER
I'm sorry.
Turner grabs the shuttle and zips up to the bridge.
Thomas shoots a couple more of the Infected and leaves his
weapon with Rose.
THOMAS
Take this.
(peels out two
grenades for Rose)
And these. Good luck.
Rose grabs Thomas by the elbow and grips him tightly.
ROSE
Please. Make sure they get to
safety.
THOMAS
I will. When I get to the top, I
am going to cut the line.
(staring)
You will be on your own.
ROSE
Just keep them safe.
19.
Thomas grabs the shuttle and shoots off up onto the bridge.
Rose began to pray.
EXT. KHANTRED REVOLUTION BRIDGE - NIGHT
Turner helps over Thomas who then promptly cuts the zip line
with a big knife. Bear steps up to Thomas and shoves him
into one of the parked cars. He points the weapon towards
Thomas' chest.
BEAR
There are still people on that
boat and you just cut them loose?
What about us then, you gonna cut
us loose too? Well? Answer me!
TURNER
They chose to stay behind. They
couldn't use the shuttles
properly.
BEAR
(aiming to Turner)
Did you even let them try? How do
you know?
JOSSEF
Ey Bear, relax man, you barely
made it over that damn thing
yourself, right? Jus' take it
easy.
BEAR
(waves gun toward
Jossef)
I don't know if you noticed,
shit-for-brains, but we are on dry
land!
(Back to Turner)
And it's all your fault. Plus, we
know nothing about this guy here.
Bear aims the weapon back to Thomas, who quickly yanks it
from his fidgety grip. He aims the gun to Bear's forehead
and pulls the trigger. A dry empty CLICK is heard and Bear
breaks down into shame and fear.
Thomas primes open the weapon and inserts a clip. A loaded
clip.
JOSSEF
You gave us an unloaded weapon?
20.
THOMAS
Can't trust anyone these days. We
have to get moving.
(looks out toward
boat)
We don't have much time.
TURNER
Where are we supposed to go now?
JOSSEF
We must find shelter and wait out
until daylight.
Bear stands up to face Thomas.
BEAR
Or we can go to your place.
(lifts chin toward
Thomas' hideout)
That's your pad is it not?
Thomas sighs when he notices the lit building in the dead
night of the city.
TURNER
How do we get there?
THOMAS
Follow me.
EXT. KHANTRED CITY - PARKING GARAGE ANNEX - NIGHT
Moving from rooftop to rooftop has the group tired and worn
out. Thomas takes a last glance to where the boat floated in
the bay. The boat is a pinprick now. A Sudden white flash
catches everyones attention and a low rumble makes a few
people moan with anxiety and confusion.
TURNER
They got to Rose.
THOMAS
Rose got them.
TURNER
I've been meaning to ask...
THOMAS
Sixteen years.
21.
TURNER
What...?
THOMAS
I've been alone in this city for
the last sixteen years. After
nearly everyone turned, the
zombies they became starved and
died out. I was left to my own
devices.
TURNER
Oh. Well... That wasn't my
question but good to know.
THOMAS
Haven't seen a healthy woman in
all that time neither.
TURNER
I'm not sure I'm the one you
should share such information
with.
THOMAS
Right. Right. What's the question.
TURNER
Back on the boat... You gave me a
loaded weapon but an empty one to
Jossef and Bear. Why?
Thomas steps past Turner to crank the lever that connected
the garage to his building. The group waited by some parked
cars close to Jossef who now held the loaded weapon.
THOMAS
I've never seen the Infected glow
or use body parts as weapons or
coordinate any attack of any kind.
But it was clear to me, that they
wanted the boat. What's on it?
TURNER
On it? We lived out on the sea in
that thing. It was our home.
THOMAS
(stops in
mid-crank)
Just home you say? Weren't you
working on some sort of cure? You
need a lab for such work right?
22.
TURNER
Yes. But it doesn't matter now.
It's probably at the bottom of the
bay by now.
THOMAS
Unlikely. We saw the explosions,
there's no way that grenades on
deck would sink that thing.
(finishes the
crank)
We'll go back after we rest a bit.
After you.
The bridge to Thomas' rooftop is lined with the garage and
everyone makes it across. Thomas pulls up the rear with Bear
just in front of him.
BEAR
I apologize about earlier, I was
just scared and I've heard so many
horrible things about land and...
THOMAS
Don't worry about it. Get inside
and clean yourself up.
(looks past Bear
toward the rest)
Only the two consecutive floors
are accessible! The rest is
trapped!
BEAR
I thank you... um...
THOMAS
(extending hand)
Thomas.
BEAR
(Grasps hand)
Bear, at your service.
Everyone except Thomas is inside. He is staring out to the
boat. There is a faint glow around the deck that seemed to
shimmer. Thomas lifts a pair of goggles to his eyes. On
deck, the Infected are moving all around the boat like flies
on a carcass.
He lowers the goggles and thinks back to when the war began.
23.
EXT. UPPER ATMOSPHERE OF KHANTRED COLONY BG-291 - DAY
21 YEARS AGO.
A rectangular satellite with the initials "K. H. B."
revolves around the planet Khantred. WHIRRING is heard from
the device as it focuses on a sudden combustion in the
atmosphere. The image zooms to follow a meteorite heading
for the southern pole of the planet.
The meteorite suddenly changes direction for the equator and
separates into multiple pieces. As the pieces fan out, there
is a symmetry to the fanning that resembles a spider web.
INT. KHANTRED CITY-HIGH SCHOOL 44 - VR TRAINING ROOM - DAY
A drill Sergeant, ROY 44, is equipped with a VR Gun and
demonstrates its hazards by shooting a cadet, JOSH 17, who
failed to show on time.
ROY
What was that maggot? You too
tired to come out to play today?
JOSH
(wincing)
Sir, no sir!
ROY
Then why don't you explain to the
squad why you cannot get with the
program?
(firing twice more)
I said, Report!
JOSH
Sir. Um... Sir!
ROY
You are supposed to be...
A dull hum that had been present has grown to an unavoidable
roar as students and staff clamored against windows and
fences to see the opening web above them.
Roy dropped the VR weapon and the exercise dissolved as he
made his way to the front of the building.
Thomas approaches Josh and helps him to his feet.
24.
JOSH
(straightening
uniform)
Thanks bro.
THOMAS
Just try to keep up with the big
boys, ok?
JOSH
Sure. What the hell is going on?
Not that I miss my weekly torture
from sergeant dick-head.
THOMAS
Can't say. Everyone is looking at
some sort of web in the sky.
JOSH
Web? Maybe one of the satellites
hit something up there. Blew up.
THOMAS
(looking out)
Looks too close to have been
something like that. Might be a
fragmenting meteorite. We still
really know very little about this
planet, y'know.
JOSH
Oh please, you believe that whole,
"Goldie Lock" theory too?
THOMAS
No. But it is interesting to find
such a fertile planet with no
sentient life on it. Isn't it?
JOSH
Sure. Sure it is. When we get
home, Don't tell mom I was late
again.
Thomas jabs Josh in the arm.
THOMAS
Long as you're in time for dinner.
EXT. ROOFTOP (HOME) - NIGHT
25.
PRESENT
Thomas is still standing, watching the Infected scrounge
about on the boat.
THOMAS
What are you looking for?
He spots an Infected who he recognized all too well. Charles
stands out on deck with luminescent skin and an almost calm
demeanor.
THOMAS
Hello, Charles. Who let you out.
He could see Charles look in his general direction. Charles
approaches the rim of the promenade with arms outstretched
and drool falling from his mouth. He hits the railing and
falls into the water.
THOMAS
Oop. Bad move there Charlie.
Thomas focuses the goggles on the surfaces and turns various
dials on the goggles to get a clear image of the water, with
no success. He retracts the annex bridge and heads for the
6th floor.
INT. 6TH FLOOR - NIGHT
The group sat on the padded floor and let their eyes wander
about the expansive studio floor. Jossef was looking over
Thomas' gun collection. Bear was helping a younger lady,
RACHEL 22, with her shoes. Turner is just coming up from the
lower floor. Thomas stood by the rooftop access way, unsure
of what to do.
THOMAS
So uh, Charles is loose and I
think he's on his way here.
Turner comes closer, surprise in her eyes.
TURNER
Are you certain?
THOMAS
(hands her goggles)
look for yourself, I recorded it.
Just push this button and look
through here.
26.
As Thomas and Turner reviewed the footage. Bear continued to
talk to Rachel, who wasn't doing too good.
BEAR
I'm telling you pumpkin, it's just
land sickness. we all got it.
(holding her arms
then legs)
See? no bites. no scratches.
RACHEL
Just the land sickness?
BEAR
Exactly pumpkin. Now you really
should just get some rest.
RACHEL
How am I supposed to sleep when
we're on land Bear?
Jossef interrupts with a swagger emphasized by the peeking
weapon in his pants.
JOSSEF
I'd rather be out there with the
Web freaks than sitting here
listening to you moan and groan
about having your feet on the
ground. Honestly, this feels more
natural. You forget your roots.
He struts away to the wall covered with various firearms and
continues admiring them.
BEAR
Don't listen to that bloke
pumpkin, just wait here a minute
while I go figure something out.
RACHEL
Alright Bear.
Bear approaches Thomas and taps him on the shoulder.
THOMAS
What is it, Bear?
BEAR
My apologies Thomas, it's just
that the lot of us is hungry and
tired. Do you happen to have any
food? Extra blankets and such?
27.
THOMAS
I suppose I do. There are a few
rooms below filled with linen and
thing of that sort. New clothes
too. Make everyone comfortable
here.
(while walking
away)
I'll deal with dinner.
Turner lowers the goggles and stands in thought.
TURNER
(whispered)
What are you up to, Charles?
A sharp laugh erupts from one side of the room. It is
Jossef. He is hefting a large Whicker Bat, and glaring
wide-eyed at the initials on the wood.
JOSSEF
No way! Why's this on this wall?
He glances about the room and is embarrassed by all eyes on
him, he replaces the bat on the wall.
INT. KHANTRED CITY - THOMAS & JOSH HOME - NIGHT
21 YEARS AGO.
The brothers are at the dinner table with Mother 47 when
breaking news interrupts the Whicker game in progress. Josh
sees that it's about the web seen in the sky today, he
increases the volume. Everyone freezes.
REPORTER
Reports are still coming in from
all over the planet. We interrupt
this program to bring you breaking
news about the "web" in the sky
today. At roughly 3:12 pm,
citizens witnessed a rare
meteorite impact with Khantred
surface today. The meteorite,
estimated to be just under a
half-mile long broke up during
entry into the atmosphere. But
what captured citizens eyes was
the perfect break-up of the
meteorite, giving it it's own
name. We have with us a specialist
of atmospheric phenomena...
28.
Josh had turned the volume down and looked outside once
again.
THOMAS
What do you expect to find there,
huh?
JOSH
I dunno. But the trails are still
up there. It really does look like
a giant web in the sky.
While Josh was craning his neck to look out of the window,
Mother notices the bruises peeking out from his school
uniform.
MOTHER
Say Josh, how was school today?
JOSH
(looking to
Thomas, then down
into food bowl)
Well, before we got sent home for
this debris warning. The day
wasn't bad at all.
THOMAS
Yeah. Not bad at all.
MOTHER
Hmm. So how are things with that
young lady friend of yours. ALl is
well there too I presume?
(eyeballing Josh's
neckline)
She must be quite a handful.
JOSH
Oh Mom. No this isn't from Beth. I
was... uh...
THOMAS
Bullied at the school gym. I
stepped in before they got to his
face.
Thomas takes a swig of his beverage and stifles a belch. His
eyes wander to Josh's where relief had set in and his
shoulders were relaxed.
29.
MOTHER
Oh Josh. Again? It's been nearly
three years since the last time
somebody has bullied you! Ever
since your brother switched back
to this region high school.
(pointing with
raised eyebrows)
You know, your father was picked
on in his school years too.
JOSH
(picking food)
He get a lot of hickeys too?
THOMAS
(glancing to mom)
Hehe.
MOTHER
Oh Josh well, that is just none of
your business.
(smiles)
But you're your father's son.
You'll figure it out.
JOSH
Someday. Somewhere.
Josh is about to say something else when he catches footage
of rioting. He increases the volume once more. The reporter
on screen is visibly upset and has trouble speaking.
REPORTER
...Unclear as to how the epidemic
has started but sources indicate
that the fragments of today's
"web" meteor have biological
material within them. The symptoms
of exposure include dementia,
violence, suicidal behavior,
unexplained... Sir? Is this
accurate?
(shuffling papers)
and cannibalistic tendencies.
THOMAS
What the fuck?
Josh had stood up and was looking outside of the window once
more. This time, fear was making his body rock in place.
30.
THOMAS
Josh?
JOSH
Do you see that? The web, It
wasn't smoke. It's falling.
A sound of light rain begins. Small droplets land on the
windows and in the streets below. The drops are black in
color and extremely viscous. Josh puts a hand to the window.
The drop converge to the warmth on the glass to form a mass.
THOMAS
Put your hand down. What the hell
is that stuff?
Josh pulls his hand away and watches the black sludge form
from the shape of his hand, to encompass the whole window.
small creaks go unnoticed.
JOSH
I don't know...
(he looks to his
hand.)
It felt cold.
MOTHER
I'm going to call waste
management. Perhaps they can get
this stuff out of here.
Mother gets up from her chair. the creaking caused by her
masks the sludges progress in dismantling the glass.
THOMAS
(suddenly tense.)
Mom! don't move... The glass,
it's...
Before Thomas can finish his sentence, the glass buckled and
the mass of sludge had produced a massive crack. Then the
sludge charged forward through the tiny entrance and
consumed Mother in a moment.
THOMAS
No!
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
31.
PRESENT
Thomas was sweating from his bad dream and now sat up in his
bed breathing heavily. A KNOCK on his door rouses him up out
of bed.
He opens the door to find Mitchell standing there cross
legged.
THOMAS
Can I do something for you kid?
MITCHELL
You only have one bathroom. What's
the code to the roof?
Rubbing his eyes, he looks again.
THOMAS
Why, you goin' to pee off of the
roof?
(yawn)
It's windy up there. You sure?
Mitchell starting not quite hopping but not quite staying
planted to the floor. Yawning again, Thomas point down the
hall to the FOOD ROOM.
THOMAS
Use the spot where you see dirt.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Mitchell quickly shuffles his way down the hall. He looks
through a window while passing and stands there in fright.
Urine flows out the bottom of his pant-leg.
MITCHELL
Dad?
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
Thomas is going through his morning regiment when he hears a
commotion coming from the FOOD ROOM. He steps out into the
hallway.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Thomas notices Mitchell standing at one end of the hall way.
He approaches him but then moves cautiously when he notices
32.
the puddle by his feet and how close he stood next to the
window.
THOMAS
Mitch. You okay?
(grabbing a fire
extinguisher from
a wall mount)
What're you looking at?
MITCHELL
Da... Daa.... Dad... He's out
there. He's. Watching me.
Thomas rushes forward to see through the window.
THOMAS
(whispered)
Where?
MITCHELL
(pointing beyond
parking lot)
He was right there in the street.
Just staring at me.
Thomas didn't see anyone. He didn't quite brush it off
though.
THOMAS
Go back to my bedroom, find some
clothes. Meet us upstairs.
INT. 6TH FLOOR - DAY
Most of the people were asleep. Turner was next to a window.
Bear was lying on his back. Rachel had cuddled up to him.
Jossef slept in a way where the first thing he'd see when he
woke up was Thomas' weapon wall.
BEAR
(yawning)
Hey pumpkin, you hungry?
(nudging Rachel)
Hey, Rachel?
Bear rolled Rachel over a became more agitated. Rachel had
no color in her skin. she was cold to the touch. a lone pill
bottle sat next to him. Bear picks it up.
BEAR
Oh dear... No. No. No.
33.
Turner had noticed the commotion and was upon Rachel. She
felt for a pulse. She shook her head.
TURNER
Bear. I'm sorry. She's gone. She's
been dead for a few hours now.
BEAR
(wiping tears)
Yeah. I should've done something.
She..
Jossef had been awakened by the commotion and now knelt
beside Bear. Thomas came in around this time.
THOMAS
Hey Doc, We got a situation...
What happened here?
TURNER
Suicide.
THOMAS
She bitten? Scratched?
TURNER
No, she overdosed on pills.
THOMAS
Shit. I think Charles is stalking
us.
TURNER
You saw him?
THOMAS
(shaking head)
Mitch did. Or he says he did. I
believe him.
(grabbiing
Turner's arm)
I've lived here disease free for
what seemed an eternity. You
brought this new plague. There's
something you're not telling me.
TURNER
There is... but this is not the
place to discuss it. Shall we head
up to the roof?
34.
BEAR
Excuse me, uh Thomas. What can we
do with the body?
THOMAS
(heading to roof)
Follow us up. Burn it.
EXT. ROOFTOP (HOME) - DAY
Bear and Jossef carried up Rachel's body and deposited her
on a makeshift fire pit Thomas had built before. Bear stood
over Rachel for a minute, then went back down with Jossef's
arm on his back.
THOMAS
I burned a lot of bodies here.
Most were of the Infected.
TURNER
Most...?
THOMAS
Yeah. The others were just bodies
who had yet to be given a proper
burial.
TURNER
She took her own life... What
stopped you from taking your own?
All alone in this whole city...
THOMAS
The local library can keep anybody
occupied.
TURNER
I see.
THOMAS
That... and I was looking for
someone.
INT. KHANTRED CITY - THOMAS & JOSH HOME - NIGHT
21 YEARS AGO.
Mother was fighting the sludge and losing fast. She seemed
to sink into the floor, but the brothers could tell that she
was dissolving. The sludge grew in mass and now used the
35.
remnants of Mother's body, mainly her legs, to propel itself
toward Josh.
THOMAS
Josh! Get back!
Thomas pushes the dinner table over the sludge and watched
the wood crack and splinter as it was consumed as well.
JOSH
Oh God. Mom! NO!
while the table rocked and bobbed in the viscous fluid,
Thomas grabbed Josh's arm and darted for the bottom floor.
INT. KHANTRED CITY - THOMAS & JOSH HOME STAIRWELL - DAY
The brothers had gotten more than halfway to the ground
floor when Josh spotted a dark form skipping up the stairs.
It was one of the building's residents, what was left of her
was clawing it's way up the stairs. The ooze shot forward
stringy tendrils which it used to drag itself up the stairs.
It's pace quickened.
JOSH
Back up, back up.
Josh motioned toward the roof and ushered Thomas to follow.
THOMAS
It was raining down remember? It's
definitely on the roof.
JOSH
I think it's attracted to
biological material. Remember how
is shaped my hand?
THOMAS
Remember how it ate Mom?
JOSH
Trust me Thomas. The roof is our
best bet out of here.
They run up to the roof without incident. They could hear
their neighbors holler in pain and fear the whole way up.
36.
EXT. KHANTRED CITY - THOMAS & JOSH HOME (ROOFTOP) - DAY
Thomas carefully edged the roof access door open and scanned
the roof. It was charcoal black, he couldn't tell if the
sludge was on the roof or not. But he could see
evac-choppers on various other roof tops. He rushed out and
started waving his arms.
THOMAS
Over here! Hey!
Josh came up next to him to help. He left the roof access
door open.
JOSH
(cupping mouth)
Down here! Hey! Pick us up!
A chopper in the distance makes its way over to the roof and
lets out a ladder for the boys to climb onto. Thomas grabs
the ladder and pulls it toward Josh. Who disappeared from
his spot. He whips his head around looking for him. He spots
him being dragged by into the stairwell.
THOMAS
No! Josh! NOOO!!!
JOSH
Go! Just Go! Jus!
(Screaming in pain)
Get Oud-da heee!
Thomas watched in horror as he was lifted up from the
building. He watched the ooze rip his brother apart. His
last words were garbled by the change in his anatomy.
When Thomas was among other evacuees in the chopper, and far
enough away from the building, he approached the cabin and
shook the pilot's shoulder.
THOMAS
What the hell is happening!?
PILOT
Evacuating the city! It looks like
we're going to war!
THOMAS
War? With who?
The pilot point his forefinger toward the sky.
37.
PILOT
Them!
EXT. ROOFTOP (HOME) - DAY
Rachel's body is nearly burned out. Turner sits near the
building's edge with Thomas. She looks out over to where the
boat was.
TURNER
We have to find that boat. All of
my work is on there, to stop this.
THOMAS
Your work brought this here.
(arms crossed)
It was quiet before you came.
TURNER
Perhaps, but the infection still
survives in some parts of the
planet. Mainly the ones with heavy
vegetation and wildlife.
THOMAS
Why did they attack us?
TURNER
You familiar with the Goldie Locks
theory?
THOMAS
That's all they talked about
during the war.
TURNER
So you know. Some people believe
this planet is the equivalent of a
lure in water. A fresh piece of
bait for other sentient life to be
trapped on.
THOMAS
If that's true then who's doing
the fishing? And why didn't they
attack us all those centuries ago
when we landed here?
38.
TURNER
They probably did. It just took
that long for the package to
arrive. At this point we can only
speculate.
THOMAS
After the web was sent, they sent
more meteors to cause damage. Each
meteor was targeting a main city.
we know this wasn't a freak of
nature. We've found bits of their
kamikaze pilots within the
obliterated rock. Ugly
motherfuckers.
TURNER
Yes I remember. I was in a
resident program at the time. We
had eradicated the web by then.
The damage was too much to contain
the mutation though.
THOMAS
All of it for nothing.
Turner heads back down inside the building. Thomas scans the
road below him in contemplation. As his eyes wander he
catches movement in the parking garage behind one of the
vehicles.
THOMAS
(whispered)
Hello, Charles.
He runs down to grab a weapon.
INT. 6TH FLOOR - DAY
Jossef had taken the liberty to start cleaning many of
Thomas's weapons. Upon arriving, Thomas is bewildered by the
action.
THOMAS
Like guns this much eh?
JOSSEF
Only for the sake of surviving,
yes.
39.
THOMAS
Well, grab a rifle, we got company
across the way.
FADE OUT.
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