escorts on the edge

8/9/2019 Escorts on the Edge

1/94

Escorts On The EdgeScreenplay - Protectrite #R692-15426

By Kathy Thompson, [email protected]

8/29/2010


2/94

Continued

"Escorts On The Edge"

FADE IN:

INT. ROOM IN AN UNDERGROUND SECRET COMPOUND - DAY

LAUREN BLAKE and DICK PETERSON are standing over a table with a

built in computer and screen in the center of the room. Lauren

is tall, long, and lean in her late thirties. She has strong

attractive features. She is very meticulous about her appearance

and manners, and is usually chewing gum. She has a bad habit of

rubbing her mouth when nervous. She is wearing a pantsuit.

Dick is gangly and wearing glasses.

DICK

You've selected your team.

LAUREN

Yeah Dick. Everything's on

schedule.

In the corner of the room, RAY STERLING, is working at a

computer. He is a thin intense man in his forties. He doesn't

acknowledge them, but feels their presence. He is listening to

them.

DICKShe has to be there,

September 4. Twelve

o'clock noon. You'll have

the rest of the day to

brief your team and get

to know each other.

48 hours to get her there.

Lauren types on the keyboard. A picture of STUART ULMAN and his

biography appears on the screen.

LAUREN

I've worked with Stuart

before.


3/94

Continued

DICK

(reads screen)

Six years in the military.

Saw action in Africa and

Haiti. Bad conduct discharge?

Lauren?

(looks at Lauren)

LAUREN

He shot a wine glass out of

General Powell's hand. 800

yards away.

DICK

They don't call him the

sharpshooter for nothing.

Lauren types on the keyboard. A picture of KIM WALKER appearson the screen with a biography near the picture.

DICK

Kim Walker, 32 years old.

Hmmmmm. Criminal record. For

larceny. She looks familiar.

The worm. That's it. They

call her the worm. They

say she can get in and out

of anything.

LAUREN

The best in her field.

DICK

She looks----like-----

LAUREN

She's my cousin. And she

has a medical background.

Dick studies Lauren and smiles at her. Lauren types on thekeyboard. A picture of Alex Lansing shows on the screen.

DICK

Alex Lansing. Mercenary.

Hmmmmm. That's quite a

military record. Two purple

hearts. Bronze star.


4/94

Continued

DICK cont.

Medal of honor. Campaigns in

El Salvador, South Africa,

Iraq. The Blademan.

DICK

(nods. Looks at

Lauren)

You sure you can handle him?

LAUREN

He's a good man.

(points at screen)

He has a photographic memory.

In the corner, Ray has his head cocked. He is listening to them

as he watches his computer tapes.

LAUREN

They're getting the plane

prepped now.

On the wall a large computer monitor comes on showing a map of

the United States. The Northeast part of the country is blacked

out. Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota appear to

have no cities. Florida is only half there. Baja California

and Southern California is gone.

LAURENWhy couldn't they have the

meeting up here?

(points to

Wisconsin)

Nothings up there.

DICK

Nice place to visit though.

(shrugs)

We've leaked it out the

meeting will be there. It'sin Bakersfield. And only

Mandy knows exactly where.

Listening to them, Ray takes some tapes out of the computer.

LAUREN

I hope they can bring world


5/94

Continued

LAUREN

peace. I'm so tired of all

these petty little wars.

DICK

It will be interesting to

know what they planted in

her brain that's so vital to

world peace.

(turns to Lauren)

Just get her there safely.

(takes pen and uses

it as pointer on map)

You'll be flying due West.

New fighting has broken out

in Santa Fe and Amarillo.

LAURENI saw that on the news.

RAY

(stands up with discs)

Dick. Here's the tape for the

Twilight Satellite project.

DICK

Take them to Bert, Ray. I'll

program them in later.

RAY

All right.

Slowly Ray walks out with the tapes.

LAUREN

And the military is trying

to get those survivalists

out of the California desert.

DICK

You'll land in Barstow. And

take an auto up to Bakersfield.

Then Mandy will tell you where

to go.


6/94

Continued

LAUREN

(nods)

I don't see any problem.

DICK

(studies her)

You picked a good team. Who

do you think has the most

power?

Lauren cocks her head at him.

DICK

Well. So many factions.

Gangs. Organized crime.

Military, Big business.

Survivalists. With all the

governments gone.

LAUREN

I just want to see it stopped.

I'd like to meet her.

Dick nods. They walk out, down the corridor.

LAUREN

(looks around)

So this used to be part of

NASA?

DICK

Houston didnt want to

shut it down. So we grabbed

It.

They turn a corner. Ray turns back and sees them going into a

room.

INT. SMALL EFFICIENCY

The room has everything built into the walls, with a table in

the center of the room. A clock calendar is on the wall. It

reads: SEPTEMBER 2, 2027. A casio musical instrument is on the

table. MANDY is wearing leotards and large shirt over it. With

earphones on Mandy is listening to a recording on an ipod and

dancing around with the beat. Plain looking Mandy is in her mid

thirties. She appears to be a scatterbrain and is slender and


7/94

Continued

agile. She in engrossed in the music and smiling, when Lauren

steps in. Mandy motions her to wait as she finishes. Then she

takes the headphones off.

MANDY

(Southern Texas

accent)

Hi. I'm Amanda Preston.

Call me Mandy.

(offers hand.

smiles)

You're Lauren-----

LAUREN

(nods)

Lauren Blake.

Lauren shakes hands with her, and studies her.

MANDY

Love music. I write songs.

LAUREN

(nodding)

Will you be ready to leave

tomorrow?

MANDY

(keeps shiftingweight)

Sure.

(wipes hands on

sides)

Quite an honor. Where's

my manners. Have a seat.

Lauren sits on a built in sofa, and crosses her legs.

MANDY

Would you like something todrink?

Lauren shakes her head studying her.


8/94

Continued

MANDY

(looks around

room)

All the comforts of home. Is

there a problem?

(looks at Lauren)

LAUREN

No. You're just not----

MANDY

Never thought I'd be this

important. Having escorts all

the way to California.

(keeps moving

around like she's

dancing)

I'm taking my music. Youdon't mind do you?

Lauren cocks her head at her.

MANDY

So you're organizing this

little trip, huh?

Lauren nods.

MANDYWho's on our team?

LAUREN

Kim Walker. Stuart Ulman.

Alex Lansing. Do you know

anything about this meeting?

MANDY

Not much.

(rubs back of

Her neck)They Put some chip in my brain.

LAUREN

They're going to operate right

at the meeting?


9/94

Continued

MANDY

Well. As I understand it.

They have some device that

can bring it right out. In

two minutes.

(puts hands on hips)

They stare at each other.

MANDY

The wonders of science,

right?

LAUREN

It could be very danger-----

MANDY

Am I going meet the rest ofthe team?

LAUREN

(nods)

When they get here.

MANDY

How's it going down?

LAUREN

We take a jet west to Barstow.

MANDY

(smiles and

nods)

The coast.

LAUREN

Then an auto to Bakersfield.

They stare at each other not knowing what to say.

MANDY

(nods)

You're the pilot, right?

Lauren nods. They stare at each other. ALEX LANSING steps in

the open doorway. Alex is a good looking muscular strong silent


10/94

Continued

type in his mid thirties. He always looks impatient and angry.

A scar runs down the left side of his neck. He is wearing an old

military jacket over his old clothes. He always appears

impatient and angry. A knife is tucked in his belt. He studies

Mandy.

MANDY

(turns to him)

Come in.

(smiles. offers

hand)

I'm Mandy Preston.

LAUREN

Alex Lansing. They call

him The Blademan.

MANDYBest with the blade huh?

ALEX

(hands on hips)

Yeah. I sleep with it. You

think there'll be trouble,

Lauren?

LAUREN

I don't think so, Alex.

But Dick suspects trouble.Just precautions.

ALEX

(studies Mandy)

Protect her at all costs.

What's so important about

you?

MANDY

(shrugs)

Not much. Right Lauren.

LAUREN

A lot of people are profiting

from these petty wars. And if

they find out about this meet----


11/94

Continued

MANDY

It's a chance for peace.

STUART ULMAN steps in knocking on the door frame. He is a big

husky strong man at 40. He is light, clean cut, good looking,

and the easy-going laid back type.

STUART

(southern accent)

Hi, Lauren.

LAUREN

Stuart. This is Mandy

Preston.

STUART

(looks Mandy

over)So you're the one we're

taking to California.

MANDY

(smiles at

Stuart)

You picked some good looking

guys, Lauren. Is Kim pretty

like you, or is she more like

lil' ole me.

KIM steps in the doorway. Kim, at 30 is slender and agile, like

a dancer. She is wearing a skirt and blouse. She is

attractive, but with sly devious eyes. She always looks

reluctant and worried.

KIM

I'm her cousin.

(leans on

doorway)

We've never worked together,

have we Lauren?

ALEX

What's she carrying anyway?

(studies Mandy)


12/94

Continued

LAUREN

An implanted chip in her

brain. Vital information

for the summit meeting.

KIM

(distracted

Thinking of

Something else.

She perks up)

From what I heard on the

news, we could run into

trouble. Why don't those

spiritualists do something.

They have influence.

STUART

And power. Those Drakes.

ALEX

That's a bunch of bull. Let's

go.

LAUREN

There are briefings, packing,

And the plane won't be ready

Until tomorrow.

(studies Kim)

ALEX

I've got all I need.

(pats knife)

LAUREN

We stay here. Get to know

each other.

STUART

(studies Kim)

I know you from somewhere.The Worm. That's it. Your

reputation proceeds you.

Lauren.

(turns to Lauren)

You're related to her?


13/94

Continued

KIM

(irritated snaps)

You got a problem with that,

Mr. Sharpshooter.

STUART

(smiles at her)

Not at all.

(looks at Alex)

I wonder who's better with

A blade.

Shifting his weight impatiently, Alex pouts and stands up

straight, staring at Stuart.

MANDY

The worm?

STUART

Tell us Kim. How'd you get

Out of Chavez's jail?

MANDY

(wide eyes. sings)

Bunch a bull. Bunch a bull.

I like that.

(snaps fingers with a

beat and programs it

into casio)

Lauren, Kim, Alex, and Stuart are puzzled and surprised with

her.

MANDY

(looks up at them)

I write songs. I get ideas

all the time.

(shrugs)

They all turn to Kim.

KIM

I persuaded the guard to

let me in the kitchen for

something to eat. They

locked me in. Used the pots

and utensils, and dug myself


14/94


15/94

Continued

Pouting, Alex turns and stares at Lauren.

LAUREN

Security.

ALEX

I'm not talking to anyone.

LAUREN

Sorry.

ALEX

(insulted)

You're not my Mother.

Stuart steps between Lauren and Alex.

STUARTDon't question her authority,

Alex. If you do, youll

answer to me.

They stare each other down. Lauren, Kim, and Mandy watch them

carefully.

INT. SAME ROOM LATER THAT EVENING

All five of them are in the same room. A movie is playing on

the television, while each of them is doing something. Stuartis cleaning his gun. Alex is cleaning his blades. Mandy is

listening to music. Kim is reading a medical book. Lauren is

playing solitare. No one speaks.

INT. BUNK ROOM LATE AT NIGHT

It is dark. Mandy is in a lower bunk. Across from her Lauren

is the lower bunk. Kim is in the bunk above Lauren. Dreaming,

Lauren is restless. Her breathing is hard, and her face

grimaces in pain. Then she quickly jerks awake. Breathing

deeply, she sighs. Wiping her face and smacking her lips, shewants a drink, but fights it.

KIM

(dreaming,

mumbling)

Yes, Gene. Lets do it

Now. Kids now? Sure.


16/94

Continued

KIM

Oh, No, no, no.

(cries)

Oh God! Please, no.

No. He didnt. Oh

God. Not fair.

Lauren looks up at the bunk above her. She rolls over going to

sleep. Mandy looks at them, then turns over going to sleep.

EXT. PRIVATE AIR FIELD-FLIGHT LINE - DAY

A small jet is sitting on the runway. In old clothes, Lauren is

doing a preflight check. CHARLIE is with her doing the

preflight check. Mandy, Alex, Kim, and Stuart come from a

building. They are all wearing old clothes, with jackets, and

small bags. Mandy is wearing leotards with a large shirt overit.

LAUREN

(looks up

seeing her)

Did you bring slacks?

MANDY

Yeah. But these are my

favorites.

Lauren shakes her head as they get on the plane. She looks at

the Charlie.

LAUREN

All systems go, Charlie.

He nods. Lauren hands him the chart and gets on the plane, then

shuts the door behind her. At the corner of the building, Ray

peeks out around the corner watching the plane. Grinning to

himself, he nods.

INT. CABIN OF SMALL JET - DAY

The inside of the cabin is customized with a conversational

seating and table. Lauren steps over to Mandy.

LAUREN

Give me your arm.


17/94

Continued

Mandy holds out her arm. Lauren trades her watch and puts

another identical one on her wrist.

MANDY

Homing device?

LAUREN

(nods)

If we should get separated

for some reason.

MANDY

(looks around)

Bathroom in here?

LAURENIn the back. We should be

In Bakersfield in three

hours.

MANDY

(smiles)

I haven't seen the ocean

in a long time.

Disapproving of Mandy, Lauren shakes her head, and walks intothe cockpit. Mandy, Kim, Stuart, and Alex strap in.

EXT. FLIGHT LINE - DAY

The small jet takes off lifting up into the air.

INT. CABIN OF PLANE - DAY

The plane levels off.

KIM(studies Alex.

She is attracted

To him)

Where you from, Alex?


18/94

Continued

ALEX

(shrugs)

Everywhere, nowhere. We

Moved around a lot. My

Dad was in the military.

What about you?

(finds her

Attractive)

KIM

(sighs)

Florida, until it sunk.

Too many hurricanes. 2018.

Lost my parents.

Stuart and Alex nodded. Kim and Alex look at Stuart.

STUARTGeorgia. Until all the

government collapsed. My

folks lost their fortune.

(stares at Mandy)

You look familiar. Do I

know you from somewhere?

MANDY

Dont think so. Lived in

California when I was kid.

Then moved to Texas.

Mandy goes in the back to the bathroom.

KIM

(rolls eyes)

She's strange.

STUART

Who isn't these days.

Alex is watching out the window.

KIM

She doesn't seem to be

taking it very seriously.

STUART

She's okay.


19/94

Continued

KIM

How did they choose her

anyway?

Stuart shrugs. Mandy comes out of the bathroom adjusting her

hair and shirt. She is happily smiling. Stuart gets up and

heads forward to the cockpit.

STUART

(sits next

to Lauren)

Beautiful Day.

(looks at Lauren)

This is quite a mission you've

taken on this time.

There is silence for a while.

STUART

Why?

LAUREN

Why what?

STUART

Why me?

LAUREN(watches out

the window)

Because you're the best.

And you were available.

STUART

You're expecting trouble.

LAUREN

There's a lot at stake.

STUART

(cocks head)

World peace. It would be

nice. Maybe we could have a

descent government. Like we

did before.


20/94

Continued

Lauren turns to him.

STUART

What? Okay. I talk too

much. You sure don't. That's

why you're in this business.

Your feelings have to come

out somewhere.

LAUREN

(stares at him)

They did.

STUART

I know.

(looks down)

I still love you, Lauren.

LAUREN

This is a business trip,

Stuart.

(tenses. Grits

Teeth. fights

Her feelings)

Remember that.

STUART

(watching her)

It's going to be hard.

LAUREN

(grips wheel

hard)

Where's your backbone,

Stuart.

STUART

(snaps)

You've got enough for both

of us. We had some good timestogether. Hong Kong, Buenos

Aires. You let me in, then.

Lauren is uneasy and becoming irritated. She doesn't look at

him. She wipes her mouth.


21/94

Continued

STUART

(watching her)

So much the perfectionist.

The Zumwalt deal. Quite a

caper. Switching places with

him. They thought you were the

Premier.

LAUREN

(turns to him.

snaps)

Stuart.

STUART

All right, all right.

(throws arms up)

LAURENYou talk-----

STUART

(stands up)

Fine. I'm leaving.

(walks out)

Sighing, Lauren grips wheel and shakes her head.

INT. CABIN OF PLANE

Sitting at a table, Alex and Kim are playing with a knife. With

their hands flat on the table, Kim flips the knife letting it

fall. Stuart comes from the cockpit.

STUART

(sees them)

Whoe.

Mandy is swinging around in a chair. With earphones and ipod,

she is listening to music. She is bobbing with the beat.

Turning around, she sees Kim and Alex. Her mouth drops open insurprise.

EXT. SKIES OVER TEXAS - DAY

The plane is flying west over Northwest Texas.


22/94

Continued

INT. CABIN OF PLANE

Kim, Mandy, Alex, and Stuart are eating sandwiches. Stuart

takes a cup of coffee up to Lauren in the cockpit.

EXT. SKIES OVER WEST TEXAS - DAY

The plane continues West.

INT. COCKPIT

Kim is standing behind Lauren watching out the window.

LAUREN

(radio in hand)

This is X109. We are on

schedule. Repeat. We are

on schedule. Over.

VOICE

(over radio)

Roger that. Will relay

message.

Lauren puts the radio down. Kim sits next to her.

KIM

We didn't get much chance to

talk, Lauren. How about sometime after this is over.

LAUREN

You got it, Kim.

(half smile)

Everything Okay?

Kim nods.

LAUREN

(shakes head)I dont think so. Whats

Wrong?

KIM

Nothings wrong!

(shrugs)


23/94

Continued

LAUREN

You still talk in your

sleep.

KIM

I----We---- Gene and me.

We were in love.

(tears come to

her eyes)

We were both eager to get

married, and start a family.

LAUREN

(watches her)

What happened?

KIM

(gulps)There was a car accident.

several children. He saved

them. But he died in the

fire.

LAUREN

(reaches for

her hand)

Im so sorry.

KIM(nods)

Maybe I shouldnt have---

Taken this---job.

LAUREN

You can do it. I know

you can. Remember, when

we were little. You

always kept me from giving

up.

KIM

(gulps)

I miss our talks. I

always looked up to you.

LAUREN

ItS been-


24/94

Continued

KIM

Almost 10 years, I think.

Hows your Mom?

LAUREN

Died six years ago. All

those fires in Northern

California. So sorry,

you had to leave us, Kim.

KIM

(sighs)

It was hard on your Mom,

with three kids to raise

after your Dad left.

Wheres Chip and Joel?

LAURENEurope, I think.

(forces a smile)

We did have fun together.

KIM

Glad you got away from

Brad.

Lauren feels her stomach and left arm. Reaching in her pocket,

she takes a piece of gum out, and chews it hard. She is

tensing.

KIM

(stares at her

gulps)

Medication?

Lauren

(nods)

Dont tell the guys

KIM

(nods)

Where are we anyway?

(looks around)


25/94

Continued

LAUREN

Coming over New Mexico, now.

KIM

I'd like to go back into

medicine after this is over.

LAUREN

You really think this will

work?

KIM

(nods)

I have a feeling. Wonder

who's at the meeting-----

The engine starts sputtering. Kim and Lauren are surprised and

looking around. The gas gauge starts jumping, and so does thealtimeter. Everything dies. The engines stop.

LAUREN

Damn. I checked this plane

twice. So did Charlie.

(fights to control the

Plane)

Kim's eyes are wide in fear.

LAURENGet everyone strapped in.

We're going down.

Jumping up, Kim runs back into the cabin.

KIM

(yells)

Strap in!

ALEX

Sabotage?

KIM

Bingo. Where's Mandy?

(looks around)

Stuart and Alex fasten seat belts.


26/94

Continued

STUART

In the bathroom. Again.

Kim runs to the back of the plane, and pounds on the door.

KIM

Mandy! Mandy! Come on.

We're going down!

MANDY (VO)

My pants. I haven't got

my pants on!

KIM

(pounds on

door)

Hurry up.

Kim pulls the door open, and sees Mandy with only one leg in her

jeans. The plane takes a sharp dive. Mandy falls on Kim. They

roll around the cabin. Mandy is trying to put her jeans on.

ALEX

Parachutes!

(pulls seat belt off)

STUART

(looks out window)

We're too low.

Alex slips and falls.

EXT. SKIES OVER ARIZONA

The plane is in a sharp dive headed North towards Nevada. The

plane is swaying, as it comes down fast headed for the Lake Mead

Recreation Area. The plane skims over Lake Mead to Las Vegas

Bay where it crashes in the lake.

INT. CABIN OF PLANE

Kim, Mandy, and Alex are rolling around on the floor. Alex

catches Kim and tries to stand up. Mandy finally snaps her

jeans shut. Through the windows, they can see they are sinking.

Releasing his seat belt, Stuart rushes towards the cockpit.


27/94

Continued

STUART

Lauren!

Lauren comes out shaking her head dazed. Her head is scratched.

STUART

You all right?

LAUREN

(holds head.

nods)

Mandy? She all right?

Mandy sits up looking around.

LAUREN

Take only what you can

carry.

Alex is trying to force the door open. They all grab their

packs. Stuart shoves his gun and bullets into his bag. Kim puts

a small packet in her pocket and zips it up. Stuart helps Alex

opens the door. Water rushes in throwing them all off their

feet. They all fight to stand up. They all grab for Mandy to

force her out.

MANDY

My ipod!

(grabs it and putsin pocket)

STUART

Forget it.

(grabs Mandy's

Jacket for her)

The plane is sinking deeper and deeper. Stuart shoves Mandy out

the door. She is ready to panic and speeds up to the surface.

Alex grabs her to slow her down. They all swim up to the

surface. They are in Las Vegas Bay of the Lake Mead NationalRecreation Area not far from Highway 167 near Henderson. Two

people fishing from a boat watch them in awe. Mandy is weak, as

they drag her to shore. They are all tired and exhausted as

they rest on shore. They get up looking around.


28/94

Continued

STUART

(looks around)

Where are we?

ALEX

We start earning our money.

KIM

How much time, Lauren?

LAUREN

(puffing looks at

Watch. Sighs)

Las Vegas to Bakersfield.

I'd say 300 miles. 20

hours.

STUARTPiece of cake, right?

They crawl up to the road and start walking.

LAUREN

Everyone act normal.

MANDY

So who's normal?

(pulls glasses

From pocket)

They start walking Northwest towards Henderson, Nevada. An old

truck pulls up behind them. They all turn feeling for their

weapons. An OLD FARMER slows down for them.

FARMER

Whoe! Saw ya crash. Ya

Okay?

Cautiously, they all nod studying him.

FARMER

I can give ya a ride into

Henderson. Climb in the

Back.

They all climb in the back of the truck.


29/94

Continued

ALEX

We need wheels.

(looks around)

LAUREN

I'll get an auto for us.

EXT. CAR DEALERSHIP - DAY

Lauren is walking around the lot with BEN, the salesman. He is

a stocky little man. The cars are sleek and low, and run on

four pillow cushions. Lauren stops at a long hatchback.

Nodding, she looks it over. They dont pay attention to another

SALESMAN with a couple. The WOMAN is talking, while the MAN

walks around on his own. He can hear Ben and Lauren.

BENGood choice. Call me Ben,

Lauren. Let's go inside.

They walk back into the office and showroom. Ben sits behind a

desk with a computer embedded in it. Along the walls of the

showroom are photos of cars, small jets, and helicopters. Ben

is typing on the console.

BEN

I sell a lot of those

little gems. Very fuelefficient. They have to

be these days.

Lauren gives him a credit card. He passes it into the computer.

Lauren looks around and stares at a poster of a small jet on the

wall. The computer printer spits out the paperwork. Ben gives

it to Lauren, and a small keycard for the car.

LAUREN

Thank you.

(stands up andWalks out)

BEN

Oh Lauren.

She turns back.


30/94

Continued

BEN

The Persells and Clausens

are fighting over the gas

here.

Nodding, Lauren turns and walks out.

EXT. SERVICE STATION - DAY

A man with a rifle is pacing near the pumps. Surveillance

cameras are perched high on the outside of the station

monitoring everything in the area. There is a line of cars

waiting to get gas. An attendant has a chart in hand. Another

attendant waits with gas pump in hand. Lauren pulls her car up.

The attendant with the chart looks the car over carefully,

inside and out, then takes the license plate number.

ATTENDANT(leans in window)

What's this gas for?

LAUREN

I'm picking up my co-workers.

We're heading for Bakersfield.

Attendant fills tank with gas.

ATTENDANT

(writes on chart)What for?

LAUREN

A meeting. Media convention,

U.S. Broadcasters. Other

Members from around the

world will be there.

ATTENDANT

Thank you. You can go.

Lauren looks at the clock-calendar on the dashboard. It reads

September 3, 12:10pm. She waits for the attendant to fill tank,

then pulls out. She drives through Henderson looking around.

Surveillance cameras are everywhere watching everything. People

are walking around minding their business. A young MAN runs out

in front of the car. Lauren stops short. Men are chasing him

with guns.


31/94

Continued

MAN

He's a Clausen! Get him!

Lauren continues down the street through the business section of

town. She turns a corner, then into an alley, where the others

are waiting. She stops.

LAUREN

Alex. You drive. Did you

Get me something to eat?

Kim hands her a bag of food. Stuart gets in front with Alex.

Lauren puts Mandy in between her and Kim in the back.

LAUREN

Not so fast, Alex. Til

we get out of town.

Alex drives around the block in front of a large office

building. An expensive car is in front of them. BOB and PAT

CLAUSEN get out. They are a very wealthy snobbish couple in

their fifties. They are confident and think they are better

than another else. The five of them watch the Clausens, with

three guards, PAUL, JOE, and BRUCE with guns bulging in their

pockets.

STUART

Arent they the Clausens?

ALEX

I think so.

STUART

The top organized crime

family in the world.

LAUREN

Stay clear Alex.

Alex starts to pull around the car, when a car pulls up behind

them, bumping their car, making them bump into the Clausens

car. Then the third car backs up, and three men; MAX, ARTIE,

and DON jump out training guns on the Clausens. FRANK comes

out of the building and knocks PAUL out. He aims his rifle at

the other two Clausen guards. SAM driver of the third car jumps


32/94

Continued

out, and trains his gun at Alexs head. Artie and Don aim their

guns at Stuart and the three women in the car.

DON

(looks in car)

Get out! Get out now!

Stuart, Kim, Mandy, and Lauren get out. Lauren and Kim have

their hands in their pockets.

SAM

(with gun on Alex)

Stay put.

Max grabs Bob Clausen, and forces him in the back of Alexs car.

With his gun aimed at Alex, Sam gets in behind him keeping his

gun trained on Alex. Max gets in front with Alex. Turning back

to Bob, he keeps his gun trained on Bob.

PAT

(stunned)

What the Hell! The

Persells, Ill bet.

SAM

(behind Alex.

Cocks gun at

Alex)

Go! Move!

Stuart and Lauren look at each other surprised. Kim and Mandys

mouths are open in shock, as they watch Alex back up slowly, and

pull out around the Clausens car. The Third car starts to pull

out. Stuart and Lauren jump on Artie and Don knocking them out.

Bruce and Joe jump on Frank, who shoots them. With wide eyes

Pat looks around in contempt and anger. She starts chasing

after the cars. Stuart and Lauren roll over, getting up and

chasing after the cars. Kim chases after Pat, and stabs her

with a needle. Pat collapses. Lauren tosses a small hand bomb

to Stuart. He tosses it under the third car and it explodes.Mandy chases after them bringing up the rear.

CUT TO INSIDE ALEXS CAR

As he is driving with his left hand, Alexs right hand slides

down to his pant leg, where he pulls out a knife. Quickly he

slices Charlie across the neck and quickly turns the car left.


33/94

Continued

This throws Sam off balance. Alex slams on the brakes, turns

around, and throws the knife into Sam. Bobs eyes are wide.

ALEX

(glares at Bob)

Get out!

Bob jumps out of the car and sees Stuart, Lauren, Kim, and Mandy

chasing after them. They shove Bob out of the way. Rolling

over, Bob trips grabbing Mandy. Kim turns and plants a needle

in his neck. He collapses. Kim grabs Mandy up. They chase

after the car and get in. Alex speeds off.

EXT. CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY 15 - DAY

The car crosses from Nevada into California speeding down the

highway. They keep going. Kim is half asleep in the back seat.

Asleep Mandy is leaning on Lauren.

STUART

Quiet bunch, aren't we?

The car speeds down the highway. Then the car starts to sputter

and jerk. Alex is startled looking at the gas gauge. It flicks

to empty. He pulls the car to the side of the road. Lauren

leans forward letting Mandy slide down in the seat.

LAUREN

What is it?

ALEX

(turns to Lauren)

I thought you filled the

tank.

LAUREN

I did.

They all look at Lauren. Mandy wakes up.

STUART

Get out. I'll look.

They all get out looking around at the desert with the mountains

in the distance. Stuart is checking under the hood. Alex is

staring at Lauren.


34/94

Continued

STUART

A real quickie. Yup. Someone

partitioned the tank. Piece

of metal in there.

LAUREN

(confused)

But----but----- How----

Everyone is watching Lauren.

ALEX

(hands on hips)

How long was the auto out of

your sight?

LAUREN

Just a few minutes. For theCrediting

KIM

Who ever did it, must have

known we'd ditch in this area.

STUART

Sabotage all right. A leak.

Sighing, Alex starts walking off. Confused, Lauren is

scratching her head as she starts walking. Kim grabs the bagsfrom the car.

MANDY

Don't blame yourself, Lauren.

That's why you're all here.

STUART

I wonder who.

ALEX

What's the difference. Who canfigure this world out.

They keep walking and walking for almost an hour. The sun is

hot above in the middle of nowhere.

LAUREN

The military and survivalists


35/94

Continued

LAUREN cont.

are in this area.

STUART

And what do we look like?

In the distance are the Cady and Soda Mountains. The five of

them are walking down the road. A military helicopter flies

towards them. It comes closer, as they keep walking. Stuart

clutches gun in his pocket. Alex is ready to pull his knife.

LAUREN

No hostile actions. Maybe

they'll leave us alone.

The chopper passes. As they walk, they don't notice steel pipes

sticking up out of the ground near the road. They walk for

another mile. A military truck approaches from the West. Itstops in front of them. THREE SOLDIERS, with rifles get out of

the back. TWO MEN get out of the cab. MAJOR THOMAS is wearing

a silver cap. He is small but tough looking.

THOMAS

Who are you? Where ya

going?

LAUREN

Our auto broke down.

STUART

Can you give us a lift?

THOMAS

What's your business coming

through here.

LAUREN

We're going to Bakersfield for

a conference.

THOMAS

Why didn't you fly?

KIM

We wanted to see the scenery.

(smiles at officer.

siddles up to him)


36/94

Continued

KIM cont.

We do need a ride.

THOMAS

You'll get a ride all right.

LAUREN

This is a public road.

THOMAS

This is a hostile area. Those

dirty weasels are around.

A jackrabbit runs across the road being chased by a large weasel

like animal. A soldier turns and shoots it. Mandy jumps.

THOMAS

Harvey. Cut it out.

HARVEY

They're good eating, sir.

Better than the rations.

THOMAS

(turns to Stuart)

You. Go get it. Frank. Tie

em up.

Stuart doesn't move. The soldiers aim their rifles at the

women. Stuart runs across the prairie for the weasel. It is

fury around the face, but has sharp fangs. It is muscular.

STUART

(brings the animal

back)

I use to hunt these Krydons.

The soldiers tie Lauren, Alex, Kim, Mandy, and Stuart hands

behind their backs.

THOMAS

Blindfold them.

Using black strips of cloth, the soldiers blindfold the five of

them.


37/94

Continued

MANDY

Phew! That stinks.

The soldiers force the five in the back of the truck. They

don't notice a hidden trap door open from the ground. Several

MEN, dressed in old torn clothes, run out as the truck starts

up.

SOLDIER

It's a trap!

Thomas gets in the front as the truck takes off. The men run

after the truck jumping in fighting with the soldiers on top of

Stuart, Lauren, Mandy, Alex, and Kim. The soldiers beat them up

and throw them off the truck. Mandys ipod falls out of her

pocket. As one man falls out, he tries to hang on, and plants a

homing device under the truck. A soldier throws him off the

truck.

EXT. MILITARY COMPOUND IN THE MOUNTAINS - DAY

The buildings are make-shift, only temporary. They look like

adobe huts. The truck is parked near the side of the hut.

INT. HUT

A couple cots are in the room and a small barred window has a

curtain over it. Two soldiers are searching the five of them. A

SOLDIER is standing near Thomas with a rifle. Thomas iswatching. They find Stuart's gun and Alex's knives. They take

the blindfolds off, leaving their hands tied. Thomas slaps

Lauren and slugs Alex in the gut.

THOMAS

That was a trap. You're not

going anywhere dressed like

that.

Lauren is shaking her head.

THOMAS

(has homing device

In hand)

What do you call this? Planted

under the truck, so they can

find us. You'll be shot for

this.


38/94

Continued

LAUREN

No. We're due in Bakersfield.

MANDY

Yes. A worldwide media

conference. Vonnie Phelps

and Peter Ross.They're

hosting it. The Reliance

Hotel.

THOMAS

We'll check it out.

SOLDIER

We got ways to make spies

talk.

He pokes Stuart in the stomach with rifle butt. It gives off an

electrical charge. Cringing, Stuart sinks down. Thomas and the

soldiers walk out locking the door behind them. They all look

around disgusted. Mandy is ready to say something. Lauren

shakes her head at her. They fight to get their hands free. Kim

steps behind Alex.

KIM

Untie me.

Alex struggles with the rope. Stuart unties Lauren's hands.Kim pulls herself free, then unties Alex. Kim reaches down her

pants and underwear, and pulls out a small packet. Mandy is

watching with her mouth open. Lauren unties Mandy's hands. Kim

studies the bars on the small high window. She pulls a piece of

thread-like material from the packet. She wraps it around her

finger then the bar and saws it. Stuart taps her on the

shoulder. He wants to help. They start sawing the bars. Lauren

looks out a small slit in the door.

LAUREN

What do we do now?

ALEX

We're stuck.

MANDY

Maybe they'll let us go.

(shrugs sitting on cot)


39/94

Continued

Kim and Stuart saw the bars apart. Kim puts the thread back in

her packet of pens, pins, needles, and tiny scissors. She puts

them in her pocket, and motions to Stuart to help her up and out

the window.

MANDY

That's too sma---

(grabs her mouth)

Kim steps up on Stuart's knee. He gives her a boost up and out

the window. Its a tight squeeze as she curls up and out.

MANDY

(nods. Smirks)

The worm.

LAUREN

(worried)They're coming again.

They all turn to each other worried. Stuart pulls the small

curtain over the window. Alex and Lauren roll up a blanket and

crunch up a pillow on a cot. They cover it up with a blanket

making it look like a body. The door unlocks. Mandy sits on

the cot partially hiding the body. Thomas and his solider aide

FRANK, come in.

THOMAS

What's wrong with her?

LAUREN

Not feeling well.

STUART & MANDY

(unison)

Tired.

THOMAS

(nodding)

We checked. Phelps and Rossare registered, but not there

yet. You're still not in the

clear.

STUART

My gun was special made for

me. I want-----


40/94

Continued

FRANK

Maybe I'll try it.

Ray Sterling walks in. He is wearing military fatigues.

RAY

Major Thomas. The Colonel

wants to see you.

Thomas turns to walk out, but stops in the doorway.

THOMAS

You may have gotten untied.

Don't try to escape. You'll

be shot.

He walks out. The door is locked. Mandy sighs relieved.

EXT. COMPOUND

Kim is sneaking around the buildings. She holds herself close

to the walls as two soldiers pass near her. She hugs the wall

and hears a telephone conversation inside.

PERSELLS

(voice over phone)

Yes Colonel Vincent. Why should

I tell you about five travelers?

THOMAS (VO)

There's suppose to be a media

conference in Bakersfield.

VINCENT (VO)

Come on, Persells. You've got a

worldwide network. You know

what's going on.

PERSELLS (VO)

For the right price.

VINCENT (VO)

I'll give you another truck of

guns and ammo. For the same

amount of gas.


41/94

Continued

PERSELLS (VO)

I'll be nice, Vincent. Would

you like some cupids?

THOMAS (VO)

(excited)

Yeah.

VINCENT (VO)

Keep your drugs to yourself.

I've got my hands full with

these damn survivalists. Come

on Persells. You know we aren't

suppose to be dealing.

PERSELLS (VO)

Okay. Rumor has it there's

some peace summit going on.

Vincent is heard laughing.

PERSELLS (VO)

One of them could be part of

the summit.

Kim's eyes widened in worry. She looks around and spots the

truck on the side of their small prison hut. Avoiding the

troops, she ducks back behind the huts. Troops pass. Kim ducks

behind the hut.

SOLDIER

I'm getting out after this

hitch. You can have this

bullshit. Let the survivalists

have this country.

Kim circles around the hut to the truck and looks inside. From

the packet in her pocket, she takes a small pick. She picks the

lock on the hut door.

KIM

(opens door)

Come on.

Lauren, Stuart, Mandy, and Alex rush out looking around. Stuart

lifts Mandy up in the back of the truck. Lauren and Alex get in

the front. Stuart and Kim crawl up in the back.


42/94

Continued

MANDY

Hmmmmm. Our bags are here.

STUART

Dumb move.

Alex starts up the truck. Thomas, Ray Sterling, and four other

soldiers surround the truck with rifles aimed at them.

THOMAS

(steps to Alex)

Not really.

Lauren's eyes are rolling, as she cautiously picks up a rifle at

her feet. She keeps it out of sight. Alex and Lauren nod at

each other. Lauren shoots the soldier near her. Alex slams the

truck in reverse and speeds backwards. The truck goes overThomas' feet. Ray and another soldier are hit at the rear.

Stuart shoves Mandy down on her stomach. They all hit the

floor, as the truck speeds back and spins around. Alex speeds

the truck off, and out of the compound. Six soldiers, including

Ray) get in their jeeps, and chase after them. The truck speeds

down the old road back onto the Highway 15 towards Barstow. The

men in the jeeps are firing at them. Stuart gets his gun from

his bag. Mandy tries to get up. Kim shoves her down. Lauren

breaks a hole in the window of the cab. She hands the rifle back

to Kim. Stuart and Kim shoot at the soldiers. One of the tires

on the truck blows.

ALEX

Mandy!

MANDY

Ya.

ALEX

Tell them, we're crashing

this thing.

LAUREN

(turns to Alex)

What?

ALEX

Get ready to jump!


43/94

Continued

LAUREN

Now wait----

ALEX

Do it.

LAUREN

(staring at Alex)

Mandy. Our bags there?

MANDY

Yeah. Everything's here.

LAUREN

Get up here.

(looks through

window at her)

Stuart. Kim. Get ready tojump.

Kim and Stuart are shooting at the soldiers. Lauren pulls the

bags and Mandy through the window. The truck is swerving around

the road. Alex slams on the brakes hard. The truck skids

turning around completely. They all jump out as the jeeps crash

into the truck. Everything explodes. The five of them roll

over, get up, grab their small bags, and run. They are running

West.

LAUREN(stops puffing.

walks)

Everyone all right?

MANDY

Geeeeeses.

(rubs arms)

You guys are good.

STUART

(smiles at her.puts arm around

Mandy)

You did all right to.

They all walk down the road.


44/94

Continued

KIM

Lauren.

(walks with

her)

I heard Colonel Vincent

And Persells talking.

They're trading.

ALEX

Weapons and drugs?

KIM

(shakes head)

Gas. Looks like the military

is dealing with the syndicate.

I think the syndicate is behind

this, Lauren.

LAUREN

What were you guys looking

for? A picnic?

ALEX

(glares at Lauren)

Next time I get the auto.

EXT. CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY 58 NORTH OF BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA - DAY

It is late in the day, the sun is starting to go down. Laurenis driving the car. Alex is up front with her.

MANDY

Maybe we should have stayed

in Barstow. Drive up in the

morning.

ALEX

The sooner we get there, the

better.

STUART

Hump. You don't care about

anything but money.


45/94

Continued

ALEX

(turns back to

him)

Ya got a problem with that?

STUART

Just don't make any mistakes,

pal.

ALEX

(stares at Stuart)

I know where you mind is. In

Lauren's pants.

Irritated and disgusted, Stuart is ready to grab him.

KIM

(pulls Stuart back)Stop it.

ALEX

You better not blow it.

Pal.

GUN SHOTS HIT THE CAR. Stuart and Kim shove Mandy down in the

seat.

KIM

Now what?

ALEX

(ducks)

Keep going.

Lauren keeps driving when a shots hit the tires. She steers it

over into a ditch. They all get out running for cover near some

trees.

STUART

Those Goddamn weaselsurvivalists.

MANDY

My radio said they're all

over the area.


46/94

Continued

Eight men charge in attacking them with guns and knives. They

all start fighting hand to hand combat including Lauren and Kim.

Worried, Mandy backs off and starts running. The four of them

finally beat them. Exhausted, they look at each other. Lauren

helps Stuart to his feet. They look around.

LAUREN

Mandy!

STUART

Oh no.

KIM

Was this a setup?

ALEX

Mandy!

Lauren flicks a switch on her wrist watch and sees it beeping.

She turns around looking around.

MANDY

(faintly)

Over here.

They run over to the road and the car.

STUART

Mandy?

Mandy crawls out from under the car.

KIM

(sighs)

You all right?

Nodding, Mandy dusts herself off.

ALEX

(turns toLauren)

This whole thing has been

a set up. A suicide mission.

LAUREN

No.


47/94

Continued

ALEX

So far we haven't made many

right moves. I'm taking over.

STUART

It's not Lauren's fault.

We all knew California was

a hot spot.

ALEX

I'm not walking into any

more traps. She's not

leading me anywhere.

STUART

(steps to Alex. grabs

him by the collar)

Lay off. I'm warning you.

KIM

(looking around)

We can't stay here. Let's go.

ALEX

(rips away from

Stuart)

She's probably the leak.

(points at Lauren.

Shoves Stuart back)

LAUREN

We're in this together. We

all want to get paid.

Stuart shoves Alex back. Kim walks off North towards the hills.

KIM

It's going to be dark soon.

They walk up the hills near Lancaster, California. The terrainchanges to fertile green hills and valleys. They continue

walking around some trees to a forest.

MANDY

We should have gotten another

plane.


48/94

Continued

KIM

Isn't there a city around

here?

STUART

We should be near the ocean.

MANDY

That's right.

They are all looking around cautiously. Lauren looks down.

Alex is near her, when she quickly gives him a karate kick on

the inside of his lower leg. He crumbles back to the ground.

ALEX

(Rolls over,

puzzled)

What the hell was thatfor?

LAUREN

Don't move.

Everyone stiffens. Lauren squats down to a wire stretched

across the ground near Alex. He sits up surprised.

LAUREN

This is a mine field.

KIM

Oh God.

Stuart lifts Mandy up and sets her behind him. Lauren is

pointing down to the wire zigzagging their path.

STUART

We must be near something.

Standing up, Alex is embarrassed, as he stares at Lauren.

LAUREN

I'll go first.

STUART

I will.


49/94

Continued

ALEX

I'll do it.

Kim carefully tiptoes over the wires. Stuart, Alex, Lauren, and

Mandy watch Kim, then follow in her footsteps. They make their

way up a hill around some trees, and hear horses nearby. They

sneak up behind some trees. Down the hill there is a corral

with horses inside. A couple horses are saddled. A cave opening

is in the distance. They all lay down on the ground to watch.

A MAN steps up behind them with a rifle aimed at them.

MAN

All right. Stop right

there.

Slowly they all roll over. Alex reaches in his pocket for his

knife. As Alex rolls on his back, he flings it into the man.

The man falls on Mandy. She throws him off.

LAUREN

Mandy. Can ya ride?

MANDY

Not very well.

LAUREN

Stay here.

Lauren starts down the hill followed by Kim, Stuart, and Alex.Mandy watches. They see a man coming out of the cave opening.

KIM

Someone's coming.

LAUREN

Stuart. Take them.

Pulling his gun, Stuart turns the silencer on. He takes careful

aim and shoots him. Behind them Mandy with the bags watches as

the four of them crawl down to the corral. The horses aresnorting.

MANDY

(eyes closes.

whispers and Nods)

Yes, I know you dont like

being penned up. Well get


50/94

Continued

MANDY cont.

You out.

Mandy looks over to a MAN coming out of the cave opening.

MANDY

(eyes closes.

Whispers)

You hear something inside.

The man turns to the cave opening. The four of them don't move.

Then the man goes back in the cave. Quickly and quietly, the

four of them take four horses. They take them back to Mandy.

Stuart forces Mandy up behind her. They all mount.

MANDY

Is this really nec----

LAUREN

Let's get out of here.

They speed off through the woods at top speed. Stuart and Alex

are bareback. They ride for a couple miles.

EXT. WOODS - NIGHT

The five of them are huddled around a fire. The horses are

nearby. Lauren gets up to check the horses. Quickly, she slips a

piece of gum in her mouth. She wipes her mouth. Stuart gets upand follows her.

STUART

You all right?

Lauren nods. Stuart tries to take her around the arms, and she

fights him. He kisses her. Lauren sinks in his kiss and arms.

They hug for a while without saying a word.

LAUREN

How come you're nottalking?

STUART

I thought I talked too

much.


51/94

Continued

LAUREN

(smiles to

herself)

A long day. So much

killing.

STUART

(caresses her)

It never bothered you

before.

LAUREN

I dont know anymore.

STUART

We were born to it. You

know that.(lifts her

chin up)

Staring at each other, they kiss passionately. Lauren stops it.

They hug.

STUART

(caresses her)

I----want to tell you. I

ran into Pat.

LAUREN

Your x-wife.

STUART

(nods)

So long ago. But I

didnt know. She never

told me. I---have a

son. Steve is 14.

LAUREN(pulls away,

Looks at him)

Oh, whow. Arent you

happy about it?


52/94

Continued

STUART

(Shrugs)

Not sure.

LAUREN

You want kids? Did you meet

him?

They stare at each other.

STUART

She showed me a picture.

Looks like me.

(smirks)

LAUREN

(shrugs)

Utoh!(smirks)

STUART

Its okay, Lauren. After

what Brad did to you. Youre

getting help, arent you?

Tensing, Lauren wipes her face and mouth. She wants a drink

badly.

LAUREN

(gulps hard)Did she marry again?

STUART

I think shes raising him

alone.

LAUREN

Did she ask for your help?

Dont you care?

STUARTI-----yes. I-----

LAUREN

You? At a loss for words?


53/94

Continued

STUART

(nods. Forces

Grin)

It really threw me for a

loop.

Lauren stares at him knowing he does care.

STUART

Well make it.

They hug just hanging on to each other. Mandy's ipod is heard.

They look over and see Mandy and Kim dancing with the music.

Grinning, Alex watches them and shakes his head. He is studying

Kim.

STUART

Mandy's quite a character.

Kim is trying to follow Mandy's steps. They are smiling and

clapping with the beat.

STUART

Something about her.

(shakes head)

Strange. Drawn to her.

I swear Ive seen her

Before.

LAUREN

Now she's got Kim doing it.

Mandy and Kim are wiggling their butts around the fire. They

don't hear the GROWLING behind them. The growl gets louder.

Mandy turns around startled. The weasel leaps on Mandy throwing

her back on the fire. Alex jumps up grabbing the animal off

Mandy, and fighting with it. Kim grabs a jacket throwing it on

Mandy, as she rolls off the fire. Stuart quickly runs and grabs

his gun aiming it at the animal. Alex is wrestling around on

the ground, as Stuart is trying to take aim. The animal isbiting and scratching Alex.

ALEX

Shoot!

Kim and Lauren helps Mandy sit up. Stuart shoots the animal and

it falls on Alex. He tosses it off sitting up gasping. His


54/94

Continued

shoulder and arm is bleeding. Kim is feeling Mandy and

examining her.

MANDY

I'm all right. Just a

little raw. Alex is hurt.

Kim turns to Alex. Stuart helps Alex up. They stare at each

other.

KIM

Come here, by the fire.

Kim goes into her bag for a small first aid kit.

ALEX

I'm all right.

Kim kneels beside Alex and rips his shirt off him. She wipes

the blood off his arm and shoulder. She notices other scars

from fighting and a gun shot scar.

ALEX

(stares at Kim)

You've got beautiful eyes.

KIM

So do you.

(wipes blood off. thenstares at him)

Kim and Alex are staring at each other very attracted to each

other. Gritting his teeth in pain, Alex tenses tightly.

STUART

(sees them)

Looks like our two hard-boiled

eggs have softened.

(smiles)

Kim puts ointment on the cuts and uses his shirt for the

bandages. Alex really likes her touch.

STUART

(looks down

At the animal)

Anyone wanna eat it?


55/94

Continued

Holding her head, Mandy is shaking.

LAUREN

Mandy. You all right?

MANDY

Scared me.

STUART

The noise must have attracted

it.

ALEX

(watches Kim)

What am I suppose to wear?

KIMYour jacket.

They all sit down by the fire and settle down.

MANDY

Shall we sing songs around

the camp fire?

KIM

(watching Mandy)

Is this a game to you? Don'tyou care?

MANDY

(shrugs)

Im fine. Its just me.

KIM

The music.

MANDY

(nods)I need music like I need air.

Part of me. Can't help it.

KIM

But----


56/94

Continued

STUART

(watching Mandy)

Now I remember you. You got

an Oscar when you were a kid.

MANDY

(rolls eyes)

Cant seem to live it

down.

KIM

You should be proud of it.

MANDY

I am. The result of my

Mother pushing me.

LAUREN(sits next to

Her)

What happened to you?

MANDY

(ignores Laurens

Eyes. Watches

Stuart)

I believe you in guys. Why

Should I worry?

(lays back downon the ground going

to sleep.

EXT. CALIFORNIA HILLS & VALLEYS - DAY

The five of them are headed North up into the hills. Mandy is

behind Stuart on his horse. In the distance they hear the ocean

against a rocky shore. They keep riding. While walking her

horse, Lauren is studying a map.

KIMWe must be getting close.

Stuart stops and looks around. Something is not right. They

all stop looking around. The trees RUSTLE. They don't see

anything. A HELICOPTER IS HEARD COMING CLOSER. The chopper

flies over. Up in the trees, the survivalists start shooting up

at the chopper.


57/94

Continued

ALEX

Let's get out of here.

They run their horses across the valley North, when some

military jeeps start towards them. Men run over the hill

towards the jeep. The five of them are caught in the middle. The

military and survivalists are shooting at each other. The five

of them run the horses under some trees. They slide off down a

river bank into the water.

STUART

Great. Now we're stuck

in the middle.

They have to duck from the gun fire flying over their heads.

LAURENIt's getting late. We

gotta keep going.

(looks around)

Men are shooting at the chopper hitting it. It spirals down.

Alex, Stuart, Lauren, and Kim all duck for cover under water in

the river. Staring at the lowering chopper, Mandy is breathing

deeply and closes her eyes. Her palms are outwards. As she

pushes them outward, the chopper is moved back 25 feet, and

crashes to the ground. Exhausted, Mandy is breathing hard, as

the others come up for air. Bullets are flying around them.

KIM

Damn. We're pinned down.

STUART

Lauren. Why don't you take

Mandy. We'll hold them off.

ALEX

(irritated)

We need guns.(starts to

crawl out)

LAUREN

(pulls him back)

Wait. We're wasting too much

time. Alex take Mandy around


58/94

Continued

LAUREN cont.

his hill and-----

ALEX

I'm not taking her anywhere.

I'm going after some guns.

STUART

(snaps at Alex)

Do what you're told.

ALEX

I'm not taking orders from her.

Or you.

STUART

(in Alex's face)

You're probably the onesabotaging this trip. Traitor!

Alex starts to swing at Stuart, when Kim grabs his arm. Alex

and Stuart are in each other's face.

ALEX

When this is over, Stuart.

STUART

You got it, toad head.

LAUREN

Stop it, both of you. I've

had enough of you two.

Don't you ever countermand

my orders again, Alex. Or

I'll see to it, you don't

get paid.

(turns on Stuart)

And don't you stand up for

me again. Or I'll take youhead off. Is that clear?

Stuart and Alex are staring at each other bitterly. Bullets fly

over their heads.

LAUREN

We're getting out of here.


59/94

Continued

LAUREN cont.

But I need all of you. You

to Mandy.

ALEX

What do you know about tactics?

LAUREN

Enough to get us out of

here. And paid. There's

a cave around this hill.

And a waterfall leading to

the ocean.

Bullets fly over their heads.

LAUREN

The weasons are above usand Northeast. The military

is southwest. The cave shows

to go all the way through to

the other side of this hill.

Alex, Mandy. You'll get as

many weapons as you can.

Meet us on the other side.

We'll come from the other

side. We'll create a

diversion if ya need it.

We'll meet at the cave opening.Let's go.

Gulping and weak, Mandy grabs a bag and follows Alex crawling

around some trees. Stuart, Kim, and Lauren crawl off under some

trees. In a tree above them, two men look down and see them.

Stuart rolls on his back and shoots them out of the trees.

Lauren taps Kim and points to her right. They spot a man ahead

behind a tree. Kim crawls over to the man and stabs him in the

neck with a small needle.

EXT. CAVE ENTRANCE

Alex and Mandy climb through a waterfall into a cave. The cave

is small and narrow winding further into the hill.


60/94

Continued

EXT. TREES

Stuart and Kim are crawling on around the trees. Lauren climbs

up a tree. A MAN comes up behind Stuart and Kim. He aims rifle

down at them.

MAN

Looking for treasure?

Slowly Stuart and Kim turn over looking up at him.

MAN

Military disguises to

look Like us, huh?

Lauren comes down hard on the man knocking him out. They take

his rifle and continue on.

INT. CAVE

Alex and Mandy follow the cave further in. They hear voices

ahead of them.

MAN (VO)

You bet, Ted. We wipe out

the military here, and no

one can stop us.

MAN (VO)How many must die, man?

MAN (VO)

Everyone wants control.

We just want freedom.

Alex motions Mandy to stay back. The cave is widening as Alex

peeks his head out in the open. He pulls his knife out.

Quickly, he jumps the two men slitting their throats. He

motions Mandy to join him. Large crates and boxes are sitting

on the ground. Alex opens them. His eyes light up as he looksat the weapons and ammunition. GUN SHOTS are heard in the

distance.

MAN (VO)

(outside)

Hey Ted. We need more

ammo.


61/94

Continued

Startled, Alex looks up as two men rush in. They jump Alex and

he starts fighting with them. Mandy backs off. She is shoved

out of the way. Then she starts dancing around. One of the men

watches her feet. On the ground, Alex looks over, and sees

Mandy spin around kicking the man in the face. Leaning on the

unconscious man, Alex gets up. With his mouth open, he stares

at Mandy surprised.

MANDY

You'll catch flies like

that. Come on. Let's get

the rifles.

They start grabbing the weapons.

KIM (VO)

Alex. Alex.

ALEX

Yeah. It's okay.

Lauren, Stuart, and Kim rush in. They grab the bullets, grenades

and guns. A MAN comes from the tunnel up behind Mandy. Feeling

him, Mandy spins around and kicks him in the face. They are all

surprised with her.

MANDY

(shrugs)

I took some lessons.

ALEX

Let's go.

Alex leads the way out through the tunnel and the waterfall.

They start running north along a hill.

STUART

We gotta find some

transportation.

LAUREN

Over there.

(points under

some trees)

Get down.


62/94

Continued

They all lay on their stomachs crawling towards some saddled

horses tied near some trees. They get up and start to get on

the horses when they are jumped by the survivalists from behind.

They all start fighting. On horseback, Lauren starts shooting

at the 10 survivalists fighting them. Upset and irritated,

Mandy is backing off. Holding her ears, she shakes her head.

She is fighting her tears and anger. On horseback Alex is using

grenades. They are on top of a high rocky hill leading straight

down to the ocean. Tensed, Mandy is curling up, getting angry.

Two men came up behind Mandy and throw her to the ground. They

start ripping her clothes off, and are ready to rape her. Mandy

fights for her life. Stuart turns and shoots the two men.

Carefully he picks Mandy up. They beat the survivalists.

Bodies are lying all around. Lauren and Alex are on horseback.

Exhausted Kim is rolling around on the ground.

STUART

(holding Mandy)Ya all right?

MANDY

(tenses. voice

echoes)

Can't stand all this

violence!

THUNDER CRACKS.

STUARTIt's all right.

Mandy tries to calm herself. Stuart is holding her. Exhausted,

Kim slowly picks herself up. Puffing, Mandy looks over and sees

a wounded man aiming a gun at Kim.

MANDY

(alarmed)

Look out!

Mandy lunges for Kim as the man fires. Mandy and Kim tumble outof the way, as Alex shoots the man. Mandy and Kim fall over the

side of the hill starting a rock slide. Kim catches herself on

the rocks. Mandy tumbles down the hill and hits the bottom

hard.


63/94

Continued

STUART

(mouth drops

Open in shock)

Ohmagod.

Mandy lands on her back and the boulders tumble down pinning her

down. Blood spurts out of her mouth and she cringes.

ALEX

Kim!

Lauren, Stuart, and Alex rush down the hill forcing more rocks

down. Stumbling Kim runs down getting to Mandy first.

KIM

Oh God, no.

Kim picks Mandy up. The tide splashes up over Mandy's head.She is spitting up blood. Alex, Stuart, and Lauren try to force

the rocks off her. Mandy is pinned from the waist down. Kim

holds Mandy's head up out of the water. They try to force the

rocks up. Tensed in pain, Mandy is holding her breath as the

blood drips out of her mouth. Mandy passes out. They all turn

to her.

LAUREN

Oh God. Is she------

KIM(checks her neck

pulse)

She's alive.

STUART

Shit.

(stomps foot)

What do we do now?

Alex and Stuart are looking around. They try to force the rocks

up.

STUART

Come on, Kim.

KIM

(holding Mandy)

Gimme your jacket. Something


64/94

Continued

KIM cont.

to prop her head up. Or she'll

drowned.

LAUREN

Is there anything we can do

for her?

Looking up at her, Kim shakes her head.

ALEX

(looks around)

We need leverage. Ropes.

Alex rushes up the hill. More rocks tumble down.

STUART

The horses.(follows Alex

up)

KIM

(confused)

She saved my life.

(shakes head and

Looks at Lauren)

LAUREN

(squats near her)It wasn't your fault.

(takes her arm)

Kim is fighting tears.

LAUREN

We'll make it.

KIM

Oh how I wanted this to

work.

Tree logs tumble down the hill. They look up. Alex and Stuart

push tree logs over the hill down the beach.

LAUREN

God, that hill is unstable.

The whole hill will come down,


65/94

Continued

LAUREN cont.

if we try anything.

Getting up, Lauren grabs a log and pries it under the boulders.

Alex throws a rope down. Stuart comes down with another rope

and ties the two together. Alex comes down the hill.

ALEX

Kim. I tied the rope on

the horses. Go up and guide

them. We'll----

KIM

(holding Mandy)

I want to stay here.

ALEX

We need the muscle power downhere.

LAUREN

(watching Kim)

I'll do it.

Stuart and Alex are tying the rope around the boulder. Lauren

climbs up the hill.

ALEX

Any time Lauren!

The rope goes taught. They all watch seeing Lauren on the top of

the hill. Then the two ropes come apart. Stuart rushes up the

hill forcing more rocks down the hill.

KIM

(snaps)

Stuart! Watch where you're

going. You're making it

worse.

Stuart moves to the right and ties the ropes again.

STUART

Lauren. Move to your right.

Go ahead.


66/94

Continued

Stuart comes back down the hill. Stuart leans on the leverage

log. Alex and Kim are trying to force the boulders up. Nothing

moves. The rope is tight. On top of the hill, Lauren is facing

two horses guiding them forward. The rope is secured around the

saddle horns. She almost steps on a dead man near her feet. A

gun is near the body. A weasel animal is GROWLING at her.

Stunned, Lauren doesn't move. It is growling and snarling. It

startles the horses. They rear up, snapping the rope and run

off. The weasel jumps on Lauren forcing her down. They are

rolling around near the edge of the hill. Lauren grabs the

nearby gun. It is snapping at her. She positions the gun and

shoots the weasel. Exhausted and relieved, she tosses the

weasel off, and down the hill along with more rocks and

boulders.

STUART

Lauren!

Scratched and puffing, Lauren makes her way down the hill. They

are all staring at the rock slide on top of Mandy. They all

look around at a loss.

LAUREN

I'm sorry.

STUART

It's not your fault.

LAURENWe got to get her out of

here. We can't fail.

ALEX

If we can get the horses

down here.

(looks up and down

the rocky beach)

STUART

How?

ALEX

We gotta.

LAUREN

It's all rock.


67/94

Continued

Mandy starts to wake. Kim picks her up in her arms. The tide

is splashing over her head. Mandy is choking.

KIM

She'll drowned.

They all turn to Kim and Mandy. Kim is pointing to the

waterline.

KIM

Look at it. Where it's

dry and baked. And there.

moist. This whole area

will be under water.

ALEX

That's almost four feet.

At a loss, Lauren is looking around and rubbing her neck. Biting

her lip, Lauren rubs her face and mouth.

STUART

What do we do?

LAUREN

(kneels beside

Mandy)

Mandy. How do you feel?

MANDY

Rather thin. I can't

feel anything from the

waist down.

The tide keeps rising splashing over Mandy's head. Mandy starts

chokes and gagging, and tenses in pain.

LAUREN

Are you just a courier? Or an

active member of the summit?

MANDY

(loses her

accent)

They need me. Lauren.

(grabs her

arm)


68/94

Continued

MANDY cont.

Go. Go to Bakersfield.

Get Vonnie Phelps and Peter

Ross. Bring them here. Take

Alex.

ALEX

No one can move this mess.

MANDY

Hurry.

(gulps)

The Reliance Hotel.

LAUREN

Wait a minute. I'm----

MANDY(shakes head)

Got to pull rank on you.

My powers have to get there.

Please.

(goes into shock.

Claws at Lauren's

arm tightly)

Stuart and Alex are staring at each other. Stuart gives Alex his

shirt. They realize they are friends.

MANDY

Please. You haven't let

me down yet.

The tide rolls up on them. Lauren has to peel her hand off her

arm.

ALEX

(watches Mandy)

You hang on. You hear me?

Mandy nods breathing hard. Alex and Lauren go up the hill. Kim

brushes Mandy's hair back. Mandy starts gagging up blood.

Scratching his head, Stuart is looking around.

KIM

Stuart. Go up and see if


69/94

Continued

KIM cont.

you can find the first aid

kit.

Stuart climbs up the hill.

KIM

How bad are you hurt?

MANDY

My legs and back. I can't---

(studies Kim)

It bothers you, doesn't it?

Kim stares at her.

MANDY

All the killing.

KIM

(puts head

down)

You saved my life. Why?

MANDY

Somebody has to----

The tide hits them. Mandy is choking on the water.

KIM(yells)

Stuart! Hurry up! Stuart!

Kim tries to prop Mandy's head further up. Mandy tenses in

pain. Stuart rushes down the hill with the kit.

KIM

I want give you something

for the pain.

Shaking her head, Mandy doesn't want it.

STUART

She needs something, so

she can breathe. Tube.

Straw. Something.

(looks around)


70/94

Continued

The tide splashes in on Kim and Mandy rising higher. Stuart

walks along the shore searching for anything to use. Kim starts

giving Mandy mouth-to-mouth, and tries to hold her head out of

the water. She keeps it up.

MANDY

(gasping and

laughing)

Does this mean we're

engaged?

KIM

(yelling)

Stuart! Hurry up!

STUART

Can't find anything.

KIM

(blinks dizzy)

Come here. I need you.

Stuart runs down the beach to her. He is bare-chested.

KIM

Take over. I'll look.

Stuart and Kim trade places. Stuart picks Mandy up in his arms.

MANDY

(gasping)

Much better looking.

(wants to pass

out)

Kim walks off.

STUART

(shakes her)

Hang on. You'll make it.

Mandy passes out.

STUART

(worried)

Kim?


71/94

Continued

Kim runs over to them. She checks Mandy's neck pulse.

KIM

She's alive. Keep it up.

We'll trade off.

STUART

Find something will you?

(uses mouth-to-mouth

On Mandy)

Rubbing her chin, Kim looks up the hill. She climbs up and

surveys the area. Stuart continues mouth-to-mouth.

CUT TO LATER

Stuart is walking along the beach. With a stick he is pushingthe rocks around. Kim is giving Mandy mouth-to-mouth. She is

sitting in almost four feet of water. Mandy is under water.

Tired, Kim looks up.

MANDY (VO)

(echoes)

I believe in you. I believe,

believe, believe-----

Kim is shaking her head as she feels down and breathes into

Mandy.

STUART

I found it. I found it!

Kim perks up. Stuart runs down the beach towards her with a

piece of bamboo. Stuart gives it to Kim, and he takes over with

Mandy. Quickly, Kim seals a couple holes in it with bandages

from the first aid kit.

KIM

Put it in her mouth. I'llseal her nose.

Kim takes a couple bandages from the kit and seals Mandy's nose.

Stuart waits and forces the tube in Mandy's mouth. It wakes

Mandy, and she starts choking. Her head is completely under

water as she looks up at them. Mandy starts to panic. They

grab her shoulders.


72/94

Continued

KIM

It's okay. It's okay.

STUART

It's working.

(caresses her

shoulder)

Take it easy. You're all

right.

Sitting in the water with Mandy, they try to calm her. Mandy is

crying.

STUART

(looks at Kim)

How long can we keep

this up?

KIM

(shakes head)

It's up to Mandy. Her

will to live.

They sit and wait in silence for a while. They are holding

Mandy's hands.

STUART

It must be late afternoon.

(looks up)

KIM

(watches Stuart)

We going be related?

Stuart sighs and shakes his head in doubt.

KIM

I know you love her. What

happened between you two?

STUART

(shrugs)

I talk too much. Too much

difference.

KIM

You're good for each other.


73/94

Continued

STUART

Tell that to her. Her work

comes first.

KIM

Her first husband beat her.

Then the drinking and

depression set in.

STUART

(nods)

The last I heard she was

getting help.

KIM

She seems to be okay. Shes

all right when she working.

STUART

Yeah, and I didn't want her

doing this Kind of work. But

you know her. Bullheaded.

KIM

(smirks)

Runs in the family.

A JEEP STOPS ON TOP OF HILL. Stuart and Kim perk up. Laurencomes to the top of the hill. Lauren's bruises are bandaged.

She has a small blow torch in hand. VONNIE PHELPS is with her.

She is a strong vibrant woman in her fifties. Vonnie stops to

look down at Kim and Stuart sitting with Mandy underwater. The

bamboo shoot is sticking out of the water. Lauren and Vonnie

rush down the hill.

KIM

Where's Alex?

LAURENWaiting for Peter.

VONNIE

She's still alive.

Lauren gives Stuart the torch.


74/94

Continued

VONNIE

Stuart. Kim. I'm Vonnie

Phelps. Peter had trouble

getting in to. Let's go

under, and take a look.

The four of them sink under the water near Mandy. Mandy wakes

up and sees Vonnie. Vonnie smiles at her taking her hand.

Vonnie points at the rocks that are pinning her down. They nod

and come up.

VONNIE

Stuart, start cutting up

here. Lauren, Kim. Clear

the rocks. I'll stay with

her, and pull her out.

They all nod. Stuart starts cutting the large rocks on top.Lauren and Kim shove the rocks aside. Piece by piece, the rocks

are cut away. Vonnie stays near Mandy. The torch cuts the rocks

easily. Stuart continues with it under water. Kim and Lauren

pull the rocks away. The rocks tumble aside. Vonnie gets Mandy

under the arms and starts to pull her up. Kim helps her. Mandy

gasps for air and spits up blood. Kim pulls the bandages off

her nose. Cringing in pain, Mandy tenses. Vonnie is holding

her.

VONNIE

(looks at Stuart)Let's get her up the hill.

Stuart picks Mandy up in his arms and starts up the hill.

Another jeep pulls over stopping. Alex and PETER ROSS get out.

Peter is a small slender man in his thirties.

MANDY

I won't tell Lauren about

us, if you won't.

STUART(smirks, winks

at her)

You got it.

Stuart trips on the rocks twisting his foot. He almost drops

Mandy. He goes down on one knee. Alex comes down and offers

his hands. They stare at each other. Stuart reaches out and


75/94

Continued

takes his hands. Alex pulls him up. They form a litter for Mandy

and take her up the hill. The others follow and gather around

as Stuart lays Mandy down in his arms. Mandy and Vonnie are

staring at each other. Mandy is very weak and dying. Vonnie

wipes her hair back.

MANDY

(looks up at

Lauren)

You better hang on to this

guy. He's turning me on.

If you don't marry him.

I will.

(forces smile)

Nodding, Lauren has tears in her eyes. She pulls her sweatshirt

off and covers Mandy with it. She is wearing a bra.

MANDY

Do me a favor.

LAUREN

Anything.

MANDY

Listen to your heart. Not

your head.

Lauren and Stuart stare at each other. They know they belongtogether.

ALEX

Now what?

MANDY

It's time. Kim.

(looks at her)

KIM

(confused)Huh?

VONNIE

It's never been done

before.

(looks around)

Who did she tell you,


76/94

Continued

VONNIE cont.

she was?

MANDY

(watches Kim.

Reaches out to

her)

Take my place.

LAUREN

Mandy Preston. They planted

a----

PETER

(shakes head)

It's not what she has in

her brain. But what she can

do with her mind.

VONNIE

She's Amanda Drake.

Surprised Lauren, Stuart, Kim, and Alex turn to Vonnie.

LAUREN

She's a Drake?

VONNIE

(nods)A direct descendant of

Shirley Drake.

PETER

We're all Drakes. Meeting

to settle it once and for

all.

KIM

How many of you are there?

PETER

15 around the world.

LAUREN

(surprised)

My God. Your combined power

can change the whole world.


77/94

Continued

MANDY

(weakly)

That's the idea. No one

knew except us. The real

purpose of the meeting.

LAUREN

(insulted)

And you couldn't tell me.

MANDY

The less you knew the

better.

KIM

With your powers. You

could have stopped this.Gotten here without all

the----

(shakes head

confused)

MANDY

(takes Kim's

hand)

Kim. Take my place.

My spirit.

Kim looks at her surprised.

MANDY

You're very open. And

sensitive.

KIM

But I'm not---anyone.

MANDY

(coughs upblood. weakly)

You can do it.

They all look at Kim.

PETER

This has never been done


78/94

Continued

PETER cont.

before.

ALEX

Kim. They're just spiritualists.

Whatever they're planning----

KIM

(looks at

Vonnie)

I don't understand.

VONNIE

I think we can call it,

instant reincarnation.

STUART

What?

LAUREN

God. I don't believe this.

ALEX

Kim. You can't do this.

It's to dang-----

They all turn to Alex staring at him. Mandy and Kim are

clutching hands tightly.

VONNIE

(pries their

hands lose)

Kim. Lie down. Alex hold

her. Stuart. Hold Mandy.

Right here.

(places hand on

Mandy's sternum)

PETER

The chakras.

VONNIE

(nods)

Peter. Put Kim under.

ALEX

Under?


79/94

Continued

Gulping, Kim lays back on Alex. Peter places his hand on her

forehead.

PETER

Breathe deeply. Relax.

Close your eyes. Nice and

deep.

VONNIE

Alex. Stuart. Take each

others' hands.

Stuart lays Mandy down flat. Stuart and Alex's hands are

clutched. Alex has his left hand on Kim's solar plexus. Stuart's

right hand is on Mandy's solar plexus. Kim is going to sleep.

Watching them, Lauren steps forward.

LAUREN

Is there anything I can

do?

(squats near

Mandy)

Mandy. I'm so sorry.

MANDY

(gulps. tears

Drip on her

cheeks)We beat them Lauren. We

did it. They tried to stop

us. But they can't stop this.

Nodding, Lauren stands up covering her mouth to stop her tears.

She steps back.

VONNIE

(wipes Mandy's

brow)

It's all right, Mandy. Youcan go now.

Peter has his right hand on Kim's forehead. He takes Vonnie's

right hand. Vonnie places her left hand on Mandy's forehead.

Relaxed and smiling, Mandy dies.


80/94

Continued

VONNIE

I don't know what's going

to happen. Lauren, stand by.

LAUREN

(worried)

What for?

Lauren steps back and watches the link they have formed. Vonnie

and Peter have their eyes closed. A light blue aura forms around

Mandy's body. The light dances around her body and moves

towards the top of Mandys head and face. The energy force

centers in her head under Vonnie's hand. Vonnie's hand starts

shaking. Covering her mouth in awe, Lauren steps back.

VONNIE

Everyone close your eyes.

And no one break this link.

The aura of light/energy grows in intensity. The light flies up

Vonnie's arm. She tenses and jerks, trying to control the

force. Peter and Vonnie are calling to the force and trying to

control it. The bl

escorts on the edge

Documents