Contagion October 30, 2000 EXT. STREET - DAY What was once a suburban street, now ravaged by war. A group of rebels, not looking so ragtag now, their clothes clean, their weapons shiny. They hold themselves with price at the end of the street. A few shops still open - a market, with patrons, mostly women and children, making careful selections. They pay in barter, with batteries and ammo. PINOCCHIO (VO) It is for children that wars are waged. We come to focus on an adorable CHILD. PINOCCHIO (VO) For their future. For the greater good, we say. The child’s MOTHER gives him a small box of ammunition and nudges him toward the counter. The age old custom of having your child pay, to teach him about commerce. PINOCCHIO (vo) They don’t ever recover. Starvation, uncertainty, terror. Enough to ruin the strongest man. And they’re just kids. As the mother and child start away from the market, a Republican Guard Humvee pulls in and blocks the other end of the street. Opposite the gathered rebels. The mother stops, caught in the middle. The child, sensing her fear, looks up at her. The rebels and the guardsmen face off, ready to rumble. The first shot fires. The mother grabs the child and pulls him down. Others scream and scatter for cover. In their frenzy, the bag of fruit they’d purchased rips open and spills. The child watches as: HIS POV: An orange rolls down into the middle of the street. It comes to a stop under the Republican Guard vehicle. Resume: The child’s lost interest. He returns his focus to his mother. Her eyes are now closed and she is slumped against the building, still sheilding him with her body. Dead. PINOCCHIO (VO) They say in the Republican Guard, that you’ve never been tested as a soldier until you’ve had a child in your sights. Pull back to reveal the EDGE OF FRAME is dark - we’ve been watching the scene through binoculars. The focus clicks down to a blur. A shot fires. The binocs frame shutters down, bringing the screen to black. ACT ONE INT. COUNCIL ROOM - DAY The glass board, with its six indicated states. WATERS stands in front of it, beret in hand. Humbled? The door opens behind him. Silent footsteps on the floor. Waters doesn’t notice, lost in his thoughts, until the figure is directly behind him. SANTIAGO We’ve failed. Waters somehow managed not to jump and scream. SANTIAGO That’s what you were thinking, wasn’t it, Major? WATERS Sir, I - Santiago comes around him, to also contemplate the map. SANTIAGO No new states captured since...how long has it been, Major? WATERS Ten months, sir. SANTIAGO Our bids to capture more territory have largely been repelled. Why do you think that is? Waters is a bit freaked. Unable to believe Santiago is interested in his opinion. WATERS These things take time, sir. Casualties...bad luck... SANTIAGO Tom Hobbes. Waters is surprised. WATERS Sir? Santiago is iron-faced. WATERS We must act. With might...force...One man can’t... SANTIAGO You’re right. We half-expect Waters to say, “I am?” SANTIAGO Renewed action. A new approach. Waters is left like ‘what the hell?’ as Santiago exits. Waters looks at the map, wondering what the new approach is going to be. INT. GOVERNMENT HOUSE HALL - DAY Santiago continues on his way, determined. Looking almost like a messenger going from place to place as he pushes open the door to Inga’s office. INT. INGA’S OFFICE - DAY She is at her desk, surprised to see him. INGA You should have called for me - SANTIAGO Where’s the file on the biological agent? He begins to dig through her file cabinet as she gets to her feet. INGA Sir? SANTIAGO I’ve just had a conversation with Major Waters. She waits, maybe a bit worried, but cool as usual. SANTIAGO Something must be done to renew our progress. INGA And you think the biological agent is the way? SANTIAGO It’s been months without progress. A weapon of mass destruction would speed our work outside the fence. He looks at her. SANTIAGO You disapprove? She says nothing, brushing past him to pull a file from the cabinet. She puts it into his hands. INGA The plans for attack, sir. He flips the folder open, glances at it, then looks at her for a long, hard moment. Then he flips the folder closed and goes. Inga remains with the cabinet open, definitely concerned. EXT. FOREST CLEARING - DAY It looks almost like summer camp for grown men. Some are pointed off away from the group, engaging in target practice. Others are training in hand-to-hand combat. Still others are painting each others’ faces with camouflage. At the center of this is a table with a large sheet of paper rolled over it, marked as a map. Hovered over the table are HOBBES, PINOCCHIO, FLORENCE and several other MEN. HOBBES Once we find their weakness and turn it to our advantage, our battle will be won. He looks to Pinocchio. PINOCCHIO Our weakness is a leader who thinks 20 former office workers can beat the Republican Guard. Hobbes gives him a hard look. HOBBES Forty men. And women. Pinocchio just glares right back. HOBBES A surprise attack on the government house. We will be able to take it. Pinocchio looks less than impressed. The other men look at him, their uncertainty building. Hobbes sees this, pulls Pinocchio away. HOBBES I know you’re playing devil’s advocate, but you’re undermining my authority. PINOCCHIO Devil’s advocate, hell. This is insane. HOBBES We have more men and more firepower than ever before. Gaining more every day. We have to use it before their enthusiasm fades. PINOCCHIO (resigned: how many times have they had this conversation?) We’re all gonna die. HOBBES Pessimist. PINOCCHIO It’s the optimists who get killed. But they go back to the table. Hobbes’ eyes still on Pinocchio, who clears his throat reluctantly and indicates on the map. PINOCCHIO The back door is open for supply deliveries. It’s always been their weakest point... The men are listening carefully. INT. COUNCIL ROOM - DAY Some time later. Santiago is alone, files spread across the table. But he is staring at the map. Waters enters. WATERS You wanted to see me sir? SANTIAGO Put the call out to your troops, Major. WATERS What’s the mission, sir? SANTIAGO Tom Hobbes is planning an attack on the state house. He’s managed to raise an army of his own. Santiago turns to face Waters. SANTIAGO I know he was your friend. WATERS He hasn’t been. For a long time. Santiago nods, watching carefully. Gauging. SANTIAGO That’s why I want you in charge. You understand the way his mind works. The way he’ll plan the attack. And he may weaken out of friendship for you. Waters doesn’t react. Indicates the documents on the table. WATERS Are these the battle plans, sir? SANTIAGO The time to act has come. WATERS Sir? SANTIAGO Hobbes knows it. A SCIENTIST in a white coat enters. Stops at the door. SCIENTIST I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were - SANTIAGO Say what you came to say. The Scientist casts a nervous look toward Waters. SCIENTIST The viral stockpile is complete. Enough to annihilate a global population, and then some. Santiago nods, dismissing the scientist. Waters is shocked. WATERS Sir, you’re not going to - SANTIAGO It’s time for the next phase. You aren’t afraid, are you soldier? WATERS No sir. SANTIAGO The real world is not a place to mourn, Major Waters. WATERS Yes sir. He goes to raise his army. EXT. WOODS - DAY More men gathered around Hobbes. HOBBES The first plan of action is to strike quickly. Eliminate as many Republican Guard as you can, to break their defenses. The second team should appropriate more weapons and ammunition. Florence looks at Pinocchio, who does not look pleased. HOBBES Some casualties are inevitable in war. If any man here is uncertain - He pauses to give them a moment to contemplate. MAN Santiago burned my home. MAN 2 He murdered my children. PINOCCHIO Don’t let your anger get the best of you. He walks away. Hobbes looks disturbed, but returns his attention to his men. Florence trails Pinocchio. PINOCCHIO I suppose you think I’m a spoilsport, too. Or a coward. She cocks her head, looks at him. PINOCCHIO Maybe I am, both. What’s he think he’s gonna do? Take out Santiago, win the game. Head on home to the same old world. Florence raises an eyebrow at him and he turns on her. PINOCCHIO But where’s that leave me? He stalks away and this time she lets him go. Florence returns to the group as Hobbes is wrapping up: HOBBES We strike tonight. A cheer from the men, who break away to prepare. Hobbes looks to Florence. HOBBES Is he okay? Florence nods. HOBBES We’re all scared. Even me. She nods again. HOBBES But Florence, this time...I know we’re going to do it. INT. INGA’S OFFICE Waters slips inside, looking over his shoulder as he quietly shuts the door. Inga is instantly out of her chair. WATERS You knew about this? INGA There’s nothing we can do to stop him. WATERS There must be. The real world -- She presses her fingers to his lips, glancing around, indicating the room may be bugged. INT. STOREROOM - DAY Close on a monitor screen, grainy, grayscale. Of Waters and Inga. A wire leading up from it to an earplug, providing sound. INGA (through the speaker) He doesn’t know he’s bringing about his own destruction with the agent. WATERS (through the speaker) The virus -- A hand reaches up, removes the earphone. Switches off the picture. It’s GRETCHEN, crouched in a storeroom filled with boxes and supplies. A deep look of consternation on her face. Then she tucks the monitor away, ready to act. INT. INGA’S OFFICE - DAY Resume Waters and Inga. INGA The real world is safe as long as the portal remains closed. He has no method of taking the virus across the digital boundary. Relax. She runs her fingers down the side of his face and we just know they’re about to make out. INT. PORTAL ROOM - DAY Gretchen crouches next to the portal chair. The panel is open, exposing destroyed wires, which she sets about repairing. INT. COUNCIL ROOM - DAY An ADVISOR comes in to report to Santiago, who is pouring over a battle plan of his own. ADVISOR Just as you predicted, sir. An unauthorized entry in Central Security. It was hidden in the data file, well disguised. We would never have found it if we didn’t know to look. Santiago nods. ADVISOR The intruder went to the 14th floor. I can dispatch forces -- SANTIAGO No. ADVISOR Sir? SANTIAGO That will be all. The Advisor remains, stunned. SANTIAGO Thank you. The Advisor gets the hint and goes. Once he does, Santiago breaks into a grin. INT. PENTAGON OFFICES - DAY The Leader, dressed in an immaculate suit. Unhappy to be meeting with the Man in Charge, who rises from his desk to shake his hand. MAN IN CHARGE I’m glad you could take the time from your schedule -- LEADER How dare you order me here. Do you understand the risks involved? MAN IN CHARGE Do you understand the risks that will come from terminating the project? LEADER You’ve lost your funding, Colonel. The project must be terminated. Immediately. MAN IN CHARGE Just because you’ve lost your access does not mean the project is finished. There is still a renegade on the loose, operating under the order you gave - LEADER Which he disobeyed when he shut us out of the game. The two men face off against each other. LEADER Make no mistake. The game is over. Project Harsh Realm’s private investors are no longer interested in pursuing this line of research. Which means neither is the federal government. MAN IN CHARGE That’s why you’re in Washington. The Leader shoots him a cold look, the high-class equivalent of “duh.” MAN IN CHARGE Give me one more day. LEADER You’ve had five years, not to mention the time that went into planning and testing -- MAN IN CHARGE What’s one more day among thousands? The Leader nods, exits. The Man in Charge sighs. He doesn’t know what the hell to do. EXT. WOODS - DAY Hobbes’ army is feasting. Enjoying what could be their last meal. Pinocchio remains off by himself. Sitting near his car. Eating. DEXTER is with him, loyal probably because Pinocchio is feeding him. Hobbes approaches. HOBBES I need you to lead. Pinocchio nods mildly. HOBBES I can’t do this on my own. I know you have your own agenda and your reasons for not wanting to go home, but Santiago must be stopped. PINOCCHIO Never said he didn’t. HOBBES This is when the time is right. PINOCCHIO You pay attention to that prophecy, you’re going to get yourself killed. HOBBES Who said anything about -- PINOCCHIO “The time is right”? You think I don’t know what that’s about? Your head’s so filled with stories it’s about to burst. HOBBES I know you don’t believe. PINOCCHIO Neither would you, if you’ve seen the things I’ve seen. HOBBES But I have. PINOCCHIO Words can be used for good and for evil, Hobbes. Make sure you’re on the right side. Hobbes nods. HOBBES You’re with us tonight. Pinocchio nods reluctantly. Hobbes starts away, then says softly: HOBBES You won’t get far without your keys, anyway. As Pinocchio jumps up to check for his car keys, Hobbes whistles and Dexter runs to join his master. Pinocchio comes up short in the keys department. PINOCCHIO Hey! Hobbes is just grinning as he doesn’t look back. INT. PORTAL ROOM - DAY Gretchen has her handheld computer docked into the chair’s panel and she’s typing away, long strings of code flying from her fingers. She shifts as though she’s been sitting there on the floor for a long time. Then a green light clicks on the panel. GRETCHEN All right. She closes up her handheld, pulls it from the portal carefully, eyes on the light, which remains green. She sets the controls and sits in the chair. INT. COUNCIL ROOM - DAY Santiago has a view of the portal room up on his computer monitor and he watches carefully as Gretchen’s form disappears from the chair, scanned out of Harsh Realm. SANTIAGO I knew I could count on you. EXT. WOODS - TWILIGHT Hobbes’ army is preparing. Breaking down camp, gathering their supplies. Florence stops, listening. Pinocchio sees her and also stops. A moment later, he can hear it too. Then we hear it: Helicopters. PINOCCHIO Hobbes! HOBBES I hear them. Everyone grows still, eyes on the sky. The helicopters pass over, then stop, hovering in place. MAN They’re over the town. It’s 5 - 10 miles from here. Pinocchio squints. PINOCCHIO Looks like they’re dropping something. Hobbes shakes his head. HOBBES It doesn’t change the plan. Let’s go! Pinocchio lingers a moment, looking at the choppers. EXT. SUBURBAN STREET - TWILIGHT Typical for outside the fence. Fire rages in a trash barrel as raggedy people fight to get warm. The sound of the helicopters is loud overhead. A woman raises her fist at them, yelling. WOMAN Kill us or go, just shut the hell up! The others ignore her. A canister falls, bursting open on impact. A thin curl of smoke begins to rise from it. Then another and another, dropping up and down the street. People begin to panic and run for cover. The woman remains stationary, maybe moving in closer now that the fire is all hers. WOMAN At least they picked one. ACT TWO EXT. THE FENCE - NIGHT Hobbes and his army. The peoples’ faces silent, strong. Ready to face whatever’s coming. RUSSELL How’re we supposed to get around this? A murmur goes up. Hobbes looks to Pinocchio. PINOCCHIO You thought glitches were common knowledge? If they were, everybody’d be using them. HOBBES How do you know about ‘em? PINOCCHIO I got friends. He hurls a rock and it bounces through the glitch. The army reacts with a bit of surprise. RUSSELL How’re we supposed to know it’s safe? Pinocchio whispers to Hobbes. PINOCCHIO Keep your eye on him. He’s gonna be trouble. Hobbes nods, advice noted. Dexter passes through the glitch and comes out safely on the other side. HOBBES Okay, everybody. No one moves. RUSSELL You first. Pinocchio rolls his eyes and steps through, followed by Florence. Hobbes gives Russell a look, then steps through. The rest of the army begins to follow, gathering on the other side near Hobbes, watching the others go through. Suddenly there is a scream and a snap as a man’s body bursts into flames against the fence where the glitch was just a moment before. The man digitizes and everyone stares with silence. Russell is still on the other side, outside the fence, with several others. RUSSELL What the hell was that? HOBBES I don’t... He looks to Pinocchio. PINOCCHIO Come on. He starts walking. Hobbes rushes to catch up. HOBBES You caused that? Pinocchio shakes his head. PINOCCHIO Glitches are fragile. That’s why they’re glitches. They can only take so much and then they just -- He shrugs. HOBBES You knew the glitch was going to close. You knew someone was going to die. PINOCCHIO I didn’t know. He looks guilty. PINOCCHIO I thought it could hold them all. Hobbes is shocked, disgusted. PINOCCHIO That’s never happened before. His words have no effect on Hobbes, who moves to the front of the group. Pinocchio looks to Florence, almost a ‘you believe me, right?’ sort of look. And she must, because she falls into step beside him. They both look up and see more helicopters flying out from Santiago City. HOBBES Where are they headed? PINOCCHIO Don’t question. If each one’s manned, it’s a lucky break for you. Less troops here. He marches on. INT. COUNCIL ROOM - NIGHT Santiago has gathered his advisors, including Waters and Inga. Everyone seems tense. SANTIAGO The first wave will weaken their defenses. Our troops will follow the helicopters at first light. Reclaim the cities. Remember the policy: the sick and the dying are a waste of our resources. WATERS What about Hobbes? SANTIAGO What about him? WATERS He’s raising an army. To attack Santiago City. You said yourself - SANTIAGO What makes you believe he won’t be affected by the agent? ADVISOR And all of the troops are safe. There’s no threat of illness -- SANTIAGO Our forces have been inoculated. The vaccine was tested and proven to work. He is looking to Inga. INGA Yes, sir. The meeting begins to break up. Waters hesitates when he sees Inga lingering, but finally he turns and goes with the other advisors. SANTIAGO Are you excited? INGA Perhaps. SANTIAGO Tomorrow it will be a whole new world. My world. INGA Yes, sir. He turns on her. SANTIAGO Do you still have doubts? Inga shakes her head, but still appears uncertain. Santiago reaches for her. SANTIAGO I never thought you would quake at the thought of change. Of power. Inga meets his eyes boldly. SANTIAGO I’ve recaptured the portal. INGA What? SANTIAGO Its capture was vital to taking the next step. To obliterating the real world. He looks at her, touches her face. SANTIAGO Get some rest. You look pale. She nods, and leaves the room. Santiago’s expression says he has her exactly where he wants her. INT. PENTAGON OFFICES - NIGHT The Man in Charge at his desk, working, the light burning. His phone buzzes and he looks up. SECRETARY (on speakerphone) Security has been breached at the facility. The Man in Charge jumps up. INT. PENTAGON OFFICES - NIGHT The Man in Charge stops at his secretary’s desk, pulling his overcoat from a coat rack. MAN IN CHARGE What kind of breach? The secretary shrugs. She doesn’t know. EXT. GOVERNMENT HOUSE - NIGHT Lights all around it, shining on its stone facade. HOBBES I never realized how beautiful it was. PINOCCHIO I wouldn’t be ready to redecorate yet. They crouch down, along with the rest of the army, as several Humvees pass by. A routine patrol. Once they’re gone, Hobbes faces his army. HOBBES Half of you go to the back. Simmons, you remember the signal? SIMMONS nods. HOBBES No one tries to be a hero. Just do the job and get out, quick as you can. We’ll regroup here in one hour. INT. PROJECT BUILDING - NIGHT A pair of guards, grim, meet the Man in Charge at the door and accompany him through the hall. MAN IN CHARGE You have the person responsible for the breach? GUARD 1 Yes, sir. MAN IN CHARGE Where is he? GUARD 2 _She’s_ in the brig, sir. The Man in Charge does a double take. MAN IN CHARGE How did she breach security from the outside? GUARD 1 She didn’t, sir. Now the Man in Charge is thoroughly confused. He breaks away from the guards and goes into the brig. INT. JAIL CELL - NIGHT It looks just like Santiago’s jail cell. Sitting there on the floor is Gretchen. She gets to her feet when she sees the Man in Charge. GRETCHEN I need to speak with you. MAN IN CHARGE How did you get here? The portal - GRETCHEN I repaired it. It’s vital you know Santiago’s plans. The Man in Charge sighs. MAN IN CHARGE I have bigger problems. GRETCHEN I doubt - MAN IN CHARGE The funding’s been pulled. They’re going to shut it down. Our investors are upset about losing their access. GRETCHEN They’re going to be more upset when a new biological toxin is released. MAN IN CHARGE I don’t care what Santiago does to the virtual characters - GRETCHEN In the real world. The Man in Charge looks at her. GRETCHEN I came to warn you. He’s serious this time. You’ve managed to thwart his other attempts but... MAN IN CHARGE What sort of biological toxin? GRETCHEN A virus. Similar to Ebola, only more deadly. The Man in Charge is taken aback. GRETCHEN I don’t have all the details, just that Santiago’s already carried out a test inside the realm and he’s anxious to bring it here. She stops talking and looks at him, his mouth still open, expression horrified. GRETCHEN You’ve dealt with this before. MAN IN CHARGE I never thought - GRETCHEN (realizing) You gave it to him. MAN IN CHARGE It was one of many things we put in the game. We never expected...he’d have to be insane to use it. GRETCHEN He’s developed a vaccine. MAN IN CHARGE That’s impossible. She looks at him. MAN IN CHARGE There is no vaccine. There is no cure. It’s a mutant strain of Marburg, genetically enhanced. No scientist... GRETCHEN I thought you should be prepared. MAN IN CHARGE Thank you. He turns to go. GRETCHEN What are you going to do? He has no reply. EXT. LOADING DOCK - NIGHT Several members of Hobbes’ army, under Pinocchio’s command. Simmons looks up at the trees overhead. SIMMONS One hell of a wind. PINOCCHIO We’re not here to gab. He checks his watch, the second hand sweeping. PINOCCHIO Now! The soldiers jump out just as a large white truck rumbles up. The truck slams on its brakes, screeching to a stop, but it’s already been swarmed by soldiers. EXT. GOVERNMENT HOUSE - NIGHT Hobbes and the rest of the army, waiting. Watching. Florence at his side. HOBBES We can trust him. She nods. Overhead, the helicopters capture their attention. HOBBES Returning. Just what we need. He returns his attention to the house. EXT. LOADING DOCK - NIGHT A man dressed all in white stands calmly at the supply door, a crate of milk bottles in his hand. He rings the bell and the door opens. As the man turns, we see it’s Pinocchio in the milk truck driver’s uniform. PINOCCHIO Open the garage. The guard at the door nods, turns and gives a signal. The large warehouse style garage door beside the supply door begins to roll up. Slowly, Pinocchio sets down the milk crate, bottles clanging against each other. GUARD You’re not the usual guy. PINOCCHIO Sick. GUARD But I know I’ve seen you... Pinocchio glances back at the truck, which noses toward the opening door. When he turns back to the guard, recognition is staining his face. Pinocchio reacts instantly, punching the man and knocking him out. He waves his arm in signal to the men in the truck, who emerge as one of them pounds on the horn. EXT. GOVERNMENT HOUSE - NIGHT Hobbes and his part of the army hear the horn and begin their approach. EXT. HELICOPTER LANDING FIELD - NIGHT The helicopter has just come in, its blades spinning slowly to a stop as others prepare to land. Santiago himself is there, along with several of his advisors. The PILOT emerges. PILOT Mission accomplished, sir. SANTIAGO Congratulations, officer. Santiago reaches over to shake the man’s hand, but stops when there is a terrible sound. Santiago looks up in time to see the helicopter tilt into the ground, CRASHING. Emergency crews respond after a moment of shock. Santiago looks back to the Pilot whose hand he almost shook. The man’s face is now covered in blood and Santiago reacts in horror. He turns to his advisors and it’s echoed on their faces. Santiago calmly pulls out a handkerchief to cover his mouth and nose as the Pilot goes into a coughing spasm, spewing blood. The advisors surround Santiago protectively and rush him away. ADVISOR I thought all our troops had been vaccinated. SANTIAGO They have. There is something cold in his eyes as the implications set in. ACT THREE INT. GOVERNMENT HOUSE - NIGHT Pinocchio, back in his regular clothes, along with his half of the army, is beginning to emerge into the hall. The main doors fly open and Pinocchio signals his men to retreat. He squeezes back out of sight, gun drawn. To his surprise, Santiago comes into range, with his advisors, in a state of panic. ADVISOR Infirmary beds are beginning to fill already - ADVISOR 2 The wind is blowing it right back upon us. SANTIAGO This was not supposed to happen! Pinocchio is so surprised by the roar he misses his chance at a shot at Santiago. He raises his gun again, but the Advisors have shepherded Santiago into the council room. Pinocchio emerges, signals to the army, who come out and surround him. SIMMONS Hobbes will be waiting. Pinocchio nods, and the army starts for the main doors. Pinocchio lingers, eyes on the council room. But after a moment, he follows the army. INT. COUNCIL ROOM - NIGHT SANTIAGO I need a full report from all sectors. ADVISOR You need to be decontaminated. SANTIAGO I’ve been immunized. ADVISOR So were those soldiers. Santiago’s look is hard. Two advisors flank him as he agrees to go with them. SANTIAGO Bring Inga Fossa to me. Immediately. EXT. GOVERNMENT HOUSE - NIGHT Humvees have gone into motion everywhere. Hobbes makes his way to the door, leading the charge. His men exchange fire with the Guard on duty as he reaches for his radio. GUARD I have intruders - He is hit by a bullet. He gets off one round, instantly digitizing the man who shot him. RADIO Say again, over. The Guard digitizes. A Humvee rolls to a stop in front of the government house, attention caught by the flash of the guard digitizing. GUARD Stop right there! Hobbes’ army gets off several shots, digitizing one of the guard. The other shots, killing two of Hobbes’ men as the remaining guard charges at them, sounding a battle cry. He falls at Hobbes’ feet, blood surrounding his mouth. ONE OF HOBBES MEN Got you. Hobbes is frowning. HOBBES This man wasn’t shot. The man rolls over, coughing desperately. Florence pushes Hobbes back, away from him, eyes dark. HOBBES He’s sick. Florence continues to propel Hobbes back. The door to the government house is open and she shoves him inside. INT. GOVERNMENT HOUSE - NIGHT Pinocchio is waiting there with several men. PINOCCHIO Took you long enough. Hobbes turns to him. HOBBES What’s going on? PINOCCHIO We don’t need to defeat Santiago’s army. He’s done that himself. HOBBES What? PINOCCHIO Santiago learned his lessons in Vietnam and the Gulf. He likes to play with biological weapons. And just like there, one of them went bad. HOBBES But that was one of the Republican Guard - Pinocchio nods, eyes sparkling. HOBBES The helicopters. Again, Pinocchio nods. One of the army men breaks rank. MAN I have to get back to my family -- He’s afraid, and his fear is contagious. Hobbes grabs him by the shirt. HOBBES Wait. How do you know you won’t be taking it back to them? The Man breaks away, starts walking. Several of the others follow him. A few look back at Hobbes. PINOCCHIO So much for your army. HOBBES If this is your attempt at sabotage because you don’t want to see me succeed -- PINOCCHIO Hobbes. Hobbes takes a breath, calms slightly. PINOCCHIO Stick close to Florence. He’s stalking away. HOBBES What are you doing? PINOCCHIO Taking out Santiago. INT. MEDICAL ROOM - NIGHT Santiago sits in a tub of bubbling water as two MEN in blue plastic suits scrub hard at his skin with bristle brushes. Containers of bleach sit near their feet. The door opens and two Republican Guard drag Inga in. They deposit her and move to guard the door. INGA What’s happened? SANTIAGO Exactly what you knew would happen. INGA Sir? SANTIAGO The vaccine failed. My men have been infected. Have brought the infection into this city. And you knew this would happen. INGA The test of the vaccination was successful -- SANTIAGO According to you. You lied. But your bid to overthrow my power has failed. Inga just stands there. Shocked. Unable to even try to defend herself. SANTIAGO I have known of your betrayal for months. The trips into the real world. The help you’ve given to Tom Hobbes and his associates. Watching you has kept me forewarned. You’ve been useful to me. Color has begun to rise in Inga’s face, anger at his scorn. SANTIAGO But this...I never even suspected. He glares at her. SANTIAGO Have you nothing to say for yourself? INGA You’ll get what you deserve. SANTIAGO As will you. The two guards from the door move forward again, to pull Inga away. GUARD (to Santiago) Execute her? Santiago locks eyes with her. SANTIAGO No. I think she deserves a taste of her own medicine. Take her to the infirmary. The guardsmen pull her away. INT. PROJECT BUILDING - NIGHT Gretchen opens the door of the Man in Charge’s office and jumps to find the Leader standing on the other side. LEADER What a surprise to see you here. I thought you were inside the game. GRETCHEN I was. She looks at the Man In Charge. LEADER Then I take it the portal has been repaired and our plan can now go forward. GRETCHEN Santiago is going to destroy the real world if you don’t stop him. LEADER I know. Gretchen is shocked, turns to the Man in Charge, who cannot meet her eyes. GRETCHEN That was the plan all along? You used me -- MAN IN CHARGE (warning) Gretchen. GRETCHEN He has to be stopped. She pushes past the Leader, heading back to the portal. The Leader starts after her, but the Man in Charge grabs him. MAN IN CHARGE Let her go. The Leader looks at his hand on his arm. The Man in Charge releases him, and one of the TECHNICIANS comes in. TECHNICIAN Something alarming is going on. A beat. LEADER (annoyed) Well? TECHNICIAN Players are being killed inside the game. A lot of them. LEADER (to Man in Charge) You’d best see to it. The Man in Charge leaves with the Technician. INT. OUTSIDE THE PORTAL ROOM - NIGHT Gretchen sets the controls and goes inside. INT. PORTAL ROOM - NIGHT Gretchen grits her teeth as the lights go down in the room. She sits down in the chair and settles the headphones over her ears. She looks down, reacting in surprise to the words “Siege” and “Perilous” carved into the arms of the chair. And she vanishes in a flash. INT. OUTSIDE THE PORTAL ROOM - NIGHT The Leader closes the control panel with a satisfied but sad expression on his face. The Man in Charge, behind him, comes to a sharp stop. MAN IN CHARGE What did you do? The Leader says nothing, just turns and looks at him. The Man in Charge dashes past him, tearing open the control panel. LEADER There’s nothing you can do for her now. He glances at the Man in Charge. LEADER I assure you, it was peaceful. He walks slowly and calmly away. MAN IN CHARGE You just murdered the only person who could help us! INT. MEDICAL ROOM - NIGHT Santiago is out of the tub, looking very pink and well-scrubbed, wrapped in a white terrycloth robe. The Blue Suit Men have gone momentarily, and Santiago stands contemplating one of the spare suits hanging up. A Guard enters. GUARD Your uniform, sir. He has a full uniform in a sealed drycleaning bag, which he hands to Santiago. He glances at the blue plastic suit. GUARD Wouldn’t do you much good if you’ve already been contaminated. Santiago looks at him sharply. The Guard struggles not to cower. SANTIAGO What’s your name, soldier? GUARD Gilman, sir. SANTIAGO I have a job for you, Gilman. INT. INFIRMARY - NIGHT A long row of beds. A soldier lies in each. The men moan, writhe in pain, cough terribly. The white linens on many of the beds have been soiled with their blood. A pair of doctors in stained scrubs and white paper face masks struggle to remove one who is almost dead. At the end of the ward, a patient who appears well. Straps as in a psychiatric hospital hold her hands and feet to the bed. There is terror in Inga’s eyes. Someone holds the door open for the doctors as they move the person out, leaving the ward unattended. Waters steps inside, scans the room. Disgust taints his expression. He sees Inga and goes to her. INGA You shouldn’t be here. He’s working to undo her straps. INGA I’ve been exposed. WATERS I know. INGA I mean, as a traitor. WATERS I know. He’s unfastened her and she sits up, wearing a white hospital gown. INGA He’ll kill you for helping me. WATERS I’m going with you. INGA No. At least on the inside, you can keep see what he’s doing. WATERS It doesn’t matter. The whole world’s gone to hell. You, me, everybody...we’re all gonna die. INGA You have to keep him from reaching the real world. WATERS The portals are closed. The real world’s in no danger. INGA What if he’s found a way to reopen them? They share a look and Inga gets out of the bed. WATERS Hobbes was in the middle of an attack when news of the outbreak...uh, broke. He’ll protect you. Inga manages not to laugh. WATERS I’ll keep an eye on Santiago, but Hobbes needs to know what you know. Inga nods. Waters checks the hall before he opens the door and lets her out, covering her as she disappears down the hall. EXT. GOVERNMENT HOUSE - NIGHT The streets are quiet, surprisingly free of chaos. A Humvee idles in front of the building, empty. Perhaps the occupants have died, or maybe they left it unattended. Hobbes, Florence and his men jump on the vehicle, the men getting in the back, ready to roll out. INT. HUMVEE - NIGHT Hobbes sighs and Florence looks at him, concerned. Hobbes looks back at her. HOBBES I’m not leaving without him. Florence nods, but looks worried. HOBBES Damn it, Pinocchio, hurry up. INT. GOVERNMENT HOUSE - NIGHT Pinocchio walking the halls, alone. Inga comes round a corner and he aims his gun at her. PINOCCHIO Where is he?! INGA I don’t know. Pinocchio frowns, believing her. He almost lowers the gun, looking at her. PINOCCHIO What’s with the outfit? INGA Long story. Where’s Hobbes? PINOCCHIO A hundred miles from this infectious pit, I hope. He looks down at Inga, sees the red markings around her wrists from the hospital straps. PINOCCHIO What do you want with him? INGA I have information. PINOCCHIO Maybe you’d better give it to me, sweetheart. She reaches out to smack him and he grabs her arm. PINOCCHIO You never did like to share. INGA We both have to get out of here before it’s too late. Pinocchio shakes his head. PINOCCHIO Santiago. INGA He’s been exposed to the virus. There’s no cure. The vaccination didn’t work. No one who’s been exposed has ever survived without intervention. PINOCCHIO You’ve been exposed. Her hair falls down into her face as she nods. He looks at his hand on her wrist and she raises her head with a sorry, evil look. He’s been exposed now, too. Pinocchio jerks her arm, pulling her along with him. EXT. GOVERNMENT HOUSE - NIGHT Pinocchio comes out of the building, Inga trailing him. He looks both ways. Hobbes jumps up from the Humvee window. HOBBES Pinocchio! Pinocchio runs to the car. PINOCCHIO What the hell are you doing? HOBBES Get in. Florence casts a dark look at Inga, then looks protectively at Hobbes. But Hobbes has cranked the car into gear and is hell-bent for the fence. INT. PORTAL ROOM - NIGHT Gilman sits in the chair, a box cradled in his lap. GILMAN Sir -- SANTIAGO Just leave the box. GILMAN What’s inside? Santiago looks at him. GILMAN Sorry, sir. SANTIAGO Aren’t you glad to be going home? You’ll get to see your wife again. GILMAN Fiancee. Santiago nods. SANTIAGO How long’s it been? GILMAN Ten months, sir. SANTIAGO Just relax. He presses a button on the portal chair and the white light scans Gilman and the box, and they disappear. INT. OUTSIDE THE PROJECT PORTAL ROOM - NIGHT The door opens and the Man in Charge jumps. MAN IN CHARGE Gretchen. Gilman emerges, holding the box. GILMAN Gilman, sir. MAN IN CHARGE (disappointed) Gilman. What’s in the box? GILMAN I was told to deliver it. He holds it out. MAN IN CHARGE Told by who? GILMAN Santiago. The Man in Charge almost drops the box. ACT FOUR INT. OUTSIDE THE PROJECT PORTAL ROOM - NIGHT Resume Man in Charge and Gilman. MAN IN CHARGE Help! Technicians come running. The Man in Charge shoves the box at one of them, but no one takes it. MAN IN CHARGE Biohazard. Viral agent. Inside. This man’s been exposed. Everyone goes into a frenzy of activity. EXT. WOODS - NIGHT The Humvee rolls to a stop. The men climb out of the back. They look exhausted. Pinocchio gets out and helps Inga down. Hobbes and Florence join them. It’s an awkward moment. PINOCCHIO I’ll get you some clothes. He walks toward the camp. Inga turns to Hobbes. HOBBES What’s going on? INGA Santiago found out the plans. My plan, to help you. HOBBES Help me what? You couldn’t have known about the raid, unless... His eyes follow Pinocchio. INGA This is bigger than the raid. Listen to me, Hobbes. Santiago’s released a virus. Everyone is going to die. And he’s going to release it in the real world. HOBBES He can’t. Inga, realizing she’s getting nowhere with him, turns to Florence. INGA Stay with him. Keep him safe, and well. Without him, the prophecy will fail. The program will break down. And the real world -- HOBBES Santiago can’t bring anything from this world into the real world. INGA I brought you Sophie’s letter. Hobbes is stopped by this. Surprised. INGA The scanner recreates anything placed in the chair. It reads molecules. HOBBES That’s just scanning it into the simulation. INGA It works both ways, Tom. You have to listen to me. Pinocchio has returned, folded clothes in his hand. INGA Make him listen, Michael - She reaches for him and falls limp in a faint against him. HOBBES She’s sick. PINOCCHIO Help me with her. HOBBES She’s a traitor. PINOCCHIO I don’t care if she’s a pink elephant, help me get her inside. INT. TENT - NIGHT Hobbes and Pinocchio deposit Inga on the cot. Pinocchio turns and starts digging through his green canvas bag, looking for supplies. He comes up with some antibiotic tablets and tries to feed them to Inga. HOBBES Pinocchio -- Inga pushes Pinocchio’s hand with the medicine away. INGA No use. PINOCCHIO (to Hobbes) You shouldn’t be in here. You’ll get sick, too. HOBBES Florence -- PINOCCHIO Go. Hobbes obeys. Pauses a moment to try to put a comforting, steadying hand on Pinocchio’s shoulder, but Pinocchio jerks away. PINOCCHIO Don’t touch me. Hobbes leaves quietly. EXT. TENT - NIGHT Hobbes emerges, looks to Florence. HOBBES I’ve never seen him like this. He turns and looks around himself, at the men who have lain down wherever there’s a bit of soft ground or shelter. He looks again to Florence, who nods. HOBBES You can’t help them all. She shakes her head. HOBBES Will you get it, too? Florence shakes her head again. He nods, and moves away to sit among the men. Florence follows him closely and Hobbes looks at her almost annoyed. HOBBES What am I supposed to do? But Florence has no answer. INT. TENT - NIGHT Pinocchio sits by Inga’s side. A strange, stoic look on his face. She seems to be sleeping, but suddenly sits up with a rattling cough. PINOCCHIO It’s okay. You’re okay. He pushes her hair back from her face as she wipes the blood from her mouth. INGA Why are you here? PINOCCHIO Don’t wanna infect Hobbes. He’s lying and they both know it. INGA You always said you wanted to see the death of me. She tries to laugh but coughs instead. Pinocchio looks ready to cry. INGA I’m sorry. PINOCCHIO No -- She just nods her head. PINOCCHIO Florence -- INGA She has to save her strength. For him. She grabs his hand, to get his attention. Emphasize her words. INGA Hobbes must make it. Otherwise it’s all been in vain. Pinocchio says nothing. INGA Santiago’s sick. We’re almost there. The game is almost won. She coughs and coughs, face reddening. Just as suddenly, the coughing stops and she slumps in the bed. Hobbes appears in the doorway. PINOCCHIO (sharp) You shouldn’t be in here. HOBBES Neither should you. PINOCCHIO I got nothing to lose here. I’m no savior, Hobbes. HOBBES I can’t do it without you. The two men look at each other. HOBBES Is she...? PINOCCHIO Almost. HOBBES Florence -- PINOCCHIO No. He looks at Hobbes. PINOCCHIO I’m just going to sit here until... Hobbes nods, backs out of the tent. Pinocchio looks at Inga. Clasps her hand between his. PINOCCHIO I’m the one who’s sorry. He reaches up to wipe a tear away from his eye. His hand comes away bloody. INT. COUNCIL ROOM - NIGHT Santiago sits at the table, facing his board of states. Waters comes in, almost reluctant. SANTIAGO What’s the news from the front, Major? WATERS Ninety percent casualty rate. Both us and them. Santiago nods, considering. WATERS Now, sir, I think we’ve failed. SANTIAGO But we haven’t, Major. Once this is over, we’ve won. WATERS Sir? SANTIAGO The real world. Waters is taken aback. WATERS No. SANTIAGO It was always the objective. You look shocked, Major. No stomach for it? Waters looks at him. WATERS You’ve got it, too. The fever. You’re delusional. SANTIAGO Am I? Can you be sure? Waters can’t be. Maybe the fire in Santiago’s eyes comes from his megalomaniacal victory. He recovers himself quickly. WATERS Congratulations, sir. He holds out his hand. After a moment, Santiago takes it, and they shake. Waters nods and exits the room. INT. GOVERNMENT HOUSE HALLWAY - NIGHT Waters slumps against the wall, letting out a breath as though he’s barely held himself together. Lets out the cough he’s been holding inside. INT. COUNCIL ROOM - NIGHT Santiago remains, hand stretched out before him, listening to Waters’ coughing in the hallway. EXT. WOODS - NIGHT Hobbes sits up, awake. On guard, gun in his hand. Florence leans against his shoulder, asleep. Around him, twinkles of light almost like the intermittant glow of fireflies as the men and women of his army die, one by one. HOBBES (VO) My dearest Sophie. He looks to the tent, where he can see Pinocchio, silhouetted in shadow. Crying or coughing soundlessly...unable to determine which. HOBBES (VO) Is this how it will end? Not by the fire of bombs or guns, but with nothing more than a whimper of defeat? One man’s desire for power destroyed by his lack of it? The one thing we are powerless against. Star Wars can’t help us, or sensors or bulletproof vests, our science no match for the poison nature helped to unleash. INT. COUNCIL ROOM - NIGHT Santiago sitting once again, calmly contemplating his map. HOBBES (VO) A simple mistake made by the most experienced of leaders. Does he now feel regret, I wonder? Is he proud of the victories he won before his day was over? If given the chance to begin again, as in a game, would he put the pieces down in a different order, make different moves in hopes of winning a game that cannot be won? INT. PROJECT ROOM - NIGHT The Man in Charge standing still, in a panic, holding the box in his arms. Gilman now dead at his feet. HOBBES (VO) And though I’ve failed in my mission, Santiago’s ultimate goal, his final destruction of the real world, was left unachieved. That this terrible disease will not claim any lives in the real world. EXT. WOODS - NIGHT Hobbes, writing on a scrap of paper. What’s left of his battle plan, useless now. HOBBES (VO) At least I can sleep knowing you are safe, dearest one. He folds the letter and places it against his lips, sealing it with a kiss. CLOSE ON THE PAPER: Tom’s blood transferred to it in an outline like a lipstick smear. FADE OUT