"Malo Tiempo"
by Ryan Thomas
Patientx1@aol.com
Edited by Megan Reilly and Fernando Frias
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
LEGEND READS: SANTIAGO CITY, HARSH REALM
Rain pours down heavily; the wind is blowing furiously causing all sorts
of debris.
PAN onto an OLD MAN mid 60's, he's wearing a raincoat; he is walking against
the wind, which is blowing him back. The umbrella he is carrying has been
turned inside out.
OLD MAN'S POV : He looks around for somewhere to stay until the wind and
rain die down. He spots a bus shelter.
The Old Man crosses the street. In the b.g. we can hear a MAN'S voice.
MAN (O.S.)
(screaming)
Hey you, get inside. You have to get
Inside. Are you listening to me?
The Old Man turns to see you is screaming at him. In the f.g. We see a
MAN running, he is holding a paper over his head.
OLD MAN
(yelling)
What did you say? Who are you?
The Old Man continues to walk across the street, ignoring the Man.
MAN
Listen to me get out of here
SUDDENLY:
Lightning strikes the Telephone in front of the Old Man. Sparks fly
everywhere. The Old Man runs across the street.
Live wires are spinning out of control in the air. The Old Man tries to
dodge
them, but one of the WIRES hits him! The Old Man convulses, the electricity
runs through his body. The power of the shock sends him flying on his back
onto the ground.
Angle on the Old Man. He twitches. Smoke is seeping from his mouth. The top
of
his head is charred.
MAN (O.S.)
Oh my gosh! Are you okay? Sir can you
hear me?
The Man enters. He kneels down besides the Old Man.
MAN'S POV :The Old Man is twitching. Smoke is rolling over his body.
Suddenly
the Old Man's eyes open. The Old Man begins coughing.
Through the coughing resounds an almost hysteric tone.
OLD MAN
I've seen it. I've seen it. You can't
stop it. You knew it was coming, and and
now it's here
The Man looks baffled by the Old Man's words.
MAN
Let me help you.
OLD MAN
You can't help me you can't help any
of us. It's all gone to hell.
The Man extends his hand. The Old Man grabs it. His eyes are wild.
CLOSE SHOT OF HANDS
Currents of energy are transferred from one hand to the other. WE don't
know which though.
The Old Man is off his feet. The two just look at each other. The Old
Man walks off without saying anything. The rain is beating down on him.
PAN DOWN to the Man's fingers. Little currents of energy are dancing on
his fingertips.
FADE OUT.
END TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. PINOCCHIO'S CAR - DAY
Rain pours down the side of the car and the windshield. PINOCCHIO and HOBBES
sit inside the car. Pinocchio hands are cupped in front of his face. He is
blowing into them. He then punches the heating vent in front of him.
PINOCCHIO
Damn heater.
HOBBES (O.S.)
Quiet. It's almost on.
Pinocchio looks at Hobbes.
Hobbes is fiddling with a radio, trying to get a reception. All we hear is
STATIC. Then finally a voice comes on.
VOICE (O.S.)
Next is the weather, after a word from
our sponsors.
Hobbes waits in anticipation. Pinocchio as usual gives Hobbes an "I can't
believe this" look. Hobbes turns to Pinocchio.
HOBBES
What is it now?
Pinocchio shakes his head, almost rolls his eyes.
HOBBES
Come on. What did I do this time that
you think is ridiculous?
PINOCCHIO
Nothing . . . just forget it. You'll never
understand anyway.
HOBBES
Understand what? The game? The
Prophecy?
The Newscaster then comes back on.
NEWSCASTER
And now the weather report.
Hobbes turns up the radio. He moves it closer to his ear.
WEATHERMAN (O.S.)
Well it's raining like cats and dogs out
there isn't it? Well expect that for the
next several days.
PINOCCHIO
Cats and dogs my ass. What a bunch of
meaningless B.S.
Hobbes looks annoyed.
HOBBES
Will you be quiet?
Hobbes turns the radio up again trying to drown out the sound of Pinocchio's
voice.
WEATHERMAN (O.S.)
We've only been tracking the storm for the
last several hours. Right now the storm
system has been off shore, but there is a
possibility that they eye of the storm could
hit Santiago City.
Hobbes has a concerned look. Pinocchio is staring out the window shaking his
head.
Lightning flashes, thunder vibrates the sky.
WEATHERMAN (O.S.)
This just in, the storm system we've
been tracking is heading towards Santiago
City. As of now, the size and capacity of
the storm is undetermined. Please stay
tuned for more information on that. Right
now we'll be broadcasting the proper
precautions civilians should tak------
Pinocchio switches off the radio.
HOBBES
Why the hell did you do that?
PINOCCHIO
What the hell do you need to know about rain
for?
HOBBES
I'm just worried that's all. Worried about
Florence.
Hobbes puts down the radio.
PINOCCHIO
Florence can take care of herself. A hell of
a lot better than you can.
HOBBES
That's what gets to me about you. You don't
care, even about friends.
PINOCCHIO
You almost as full of it as that damn Weatherman.
Don't give me that crap, "I care about Florence".
(beat)
Stop worrying. We've seen worse in this godless
toilet bowl. The only reason we've got forecasters
is because people need a lie to feel safe.
Hobbes just looks at Pinocchio. Hobbes can't think of anything to say.
Finally, he gives up, and changes the subject.
HOBBES
I want to see Florence. See if she's okay.
Pinocchio gives a shrug and gets in the Chevelle. He turns the key in the
ignition, and the car starts.
CUT TO:
INT. SISTERHOOD BARN - DAY
CLOSE SHOT
Of nail being hammered into the wall. PAN off of nail to reveal FLORENCE
standing there with a hammer, and she's holding nails in her mouth. Florence
looks very tired and is sweating.
DOROTHY (O.S.)
Really gets all that aggression out
doesn't it?
DOROTHY comes into frame. Florence gives her a smile.
DOROTHY
The radio says it's getting worse out
here. We need to board up the windows
outside. Get a board, I'm getting the
nails.
Florence shakes her head yes.
EXT. PORCH - DAY
Lightning streaks through the sky. The clouds have become very dark. The
wind
is blowing very hard.
Florence and Dorothy come out onto the porch. Florence is carrying a couple
pieces of plywood. Dorothy is carrying a bucket of nails and a hammer.
Florence places a piece of wood over the first window. Dorothy holds the
puts a nail in the top-left corner and begins pounding.
DOROTHY
We should have done something sooner.
We knew it was coming.
Dorothy looks over at Florence. Florence agrees with her.
DOROTHY
Honestly I don't know why we didn't act
faster. But then again, God doesn't ask
for our permission for what needs to be
done.
Dorothy then gets another nail and holds it in the top-right hand corner.
DOROTHY
We knew that if certain things happened the
way they did, that this would come. We could
have stopped it.
Lightning hits a tree. The tree splits in half.
DOROTHY and FLORENCE'S POV
We can see dark clouds rolling towards us.
CUT TO:
INT. WAR ROOM - DAY
SANTIAGO stands at staring out the window.
SANTIAGO POV
Watching MEN and WOMEN run through the streets, they are looting buildings
and vandalizing the property.
A REPUBLICAN GUARD truck pulls up. TWO GUARDS step out. The Guards begin to
open fire on the Men and Women.
DARK-HAIRED SCIENTIST
I'm sure Mr. Byers will be here shortly
sure, Sir.
Santiago turns around to face his committee. MEL WATERS, INGA FOSSA, and the
DARKE-HAIRED SCIENTIST are sitting at the conference table.
DARK-HAIRED SCIENTIST
With all due respect General, this
wasn't an easy task.
Santiago continues to look at the Dark-Haired Scientist. Inga and Waters
look at each other, nervous.
Flashes of lightning illuminate the outline of Santiago.
SANTIAGO
The Santiago administration doesn't have room
for failure. You were asked to do a job and I
expect it to be done, without mistake.
Now the Dark-Haired Scientist looks worried. He moves around in his seat,
fidgety with apprehension.
DARK-HAIRED SCIENTIST
...But Sir-
Santiago interrupts him.
SANTIAGO
Do you think that Patton or McArthur would
have accepted failure from their men?
Santiago gives the Dark-Haired Scientist a stern look.
SANTIAGO
Do you?
Waiting for response.
DARK-HAIRED SCIENTIST
No Sir.
SANTIAGO
Unlike these brilliant men, we are able to
control what happens here, we have the power
to stop this, not God.
The chamber doors open, in walks JOHN FITZGERALD BYERS. He is carrying a
briefcase in one hand, and in the other he is reading a paper. He's been
escorted in by a GUARD.
Santiago walks over to Byers and the Guard.
Byers walks over to the conference table and places his briefcase on it. He
opens the briefcase; he scrambles around looking for right paper.
SANTIAGO
Mr. Byers, what reports do you have to give
to us?
Byers continues to look for the paper, ignoring Santiago. Waters finally
speaks.
WATERS
Byers, the General has been waiting for
your results.
The Dark-Haired Scientist gets out of his chair and walks over to Byers. He
takes Byers to the side and whispers to him.
Waters, Inga, and Santiago watch them.
DARK-HAIRED SCIENTIST
(whispering)
What's the problem John? He's about ready to
have our ass.
A (beat)
DARK-HAIRED SCIENTIST (CONT'D)
You can't fix it can you?
Byers doesn't say anything, he just goes back to his briefcase. He finds the
paper. He holds it up and looks at it. There is a look of despair in his
eyes.
SANTIAGO
Again, Mr. Byers, what reports do you have
for us?
BYERS
Well, I don't . . .
SANTIAGO
I've had enough. I asked you to do a
job and you couldn't fulfill.
A (beat)
SANTIAGO (CONT'D)
(shouts)
Guards!
BYERS
We can't fix it.
All eyes are on Byers now. Everyone looks shocked except him and the
Dark-Haired Scientist.
INGA
Are you sure?
BYERS
My team and I tried everything. The override
was unsuccessful in every attempt.
Santiago stands quietly. Listening to what Byers has to say. He'll leave it
to
Waters and Inga to ask the questions. The room has a very uncomfortable
feel.
WATERS
What's causing this?
BYERS
As far as I can tell now, it's a result of an
outside system. Something has taken control of it.
INGA
Do you know what has taken control?
(beat)
Or who?
Santiago clears his throat.
SANTIAGO
That will be all. Thank you Mr. Byers.
Everyone in the room looks surprised.
BYERS
Do you want me to continue,Sir?
SANTIAGO
Continue. With success. Failure is not an
option.
Byers close's his briefcase. He gives Santiago one last look before leaving
the room. The Dark-Haired Scientist follows him out.
Santiago takes a seat at the table. He puts his face in his hands and shakes
his head.
WATERS
It's getting worse out there.
Santiago doesn't look up nor respond.
INGA
You know what's causing this, don't you?
Santiago looks up.
SANTIAGO
Tell me then, Inga, what you think it is.
INGA
I'm not one to say. But I can say the timing is very
coincidental. Already, the final stages are in
progress.
Waters looks over at Inga.
SANTIAGO
Do you know what your saying then?
INGA
I know exactly what I'm saying. But I don't
believe a word of it. The prophecy isn't anything
but a programmer's delusion.
SANTIAGO
What do you call Harsh Realm?
Waters stops the two.
WATERS
And what if it's not this prophecy? We need to
make sure that people from outside the fence don't
seize the moment to rebel.
INGA
It won't happen. But we need to find someone
who know's what's going on.
(beat)
And I think I know where to start.
CUT TO:
EXT. DIRT ROAD - DAY
Mud splashes all over as Pinocchio's car pulls up in front of the Sisterhood
House. The rain is becoming worse and the dark clouds we saw before have
moved
in.
Pinocchio and Hobbes get out of the car. They run up to the porch. Pinocchio
walks over to the door, he knocks on it.
A piece of the door opens. Two deep blue eyes are on the other end.
INT. SISTERHOOD HOUSE - TWILIGHT
Dorothy stands on the other end of the door. She looks over to the other
SISTERS.
DOROTHY
It's okay.
She is trying to reassure them of their safety. Dorothy reaches down and
unlatches the door. She opens the door with a heart-warming smile.
DOROTHY'S POV
Pinocchio and Hobbes standing. They look cold and wet.
PINOCCHIO
Thought you were gonna let us stand out
here all day.
Dorothy smiles and gestures them to come in.
DOROTHY
What brings you out here? You should be somewhere
safe.
PINOCCHIO
Isn't anywhere safer but here.
HOBBES
(to Dorothy)
We came to see Florence.
Dorothy looks over at the BLONDE-HAIRED SISTER, she exits the room.
HOBBES
Some weather, huh?
DOROTHY
The worse I can remember.
A (beat)
DOROTHY
Where are my manners? Have a seat.
Hobbes and Pinocchio walk over to the couch, they both sit down. Hobbes
reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out his radio. Before he turns it on,
he notices that everything in the house has been bordered up. He frowns,
confused.
DOROTHY
(to Hobbes)
That won't help.
Hobbes looks up.
HOBBES
...What?
Pinocchio chimes in.
PINOCCHIO
You think he's gonna listen to you?
He doesn't get it.
Dorothy walks over to Hobbes, she takes the radio from him and throws it
against the wall.
HOBBES
Hey!
DOROTHY
Don't put faith in anything they say.
We're all in for hell.
HOBBES
Hell?
DOROTHY
Have you taken a look outside lately?
Those aren't rain clouds my friend.
It's something far worse.
HOBBES
What?
DOROTHY
The beginning of the end. The
beginning stages of the prophecy.
HOBBES
How do you know?
DOROTHY
We've known for a while now, we just
didn't now when. There are some parts
of the prophecy that have been hard to
translate. That's why Florence came
here. We wanted to know if this storm
was related to the prophecy or
something else.
Hobbes looks over to Pinocchio.
HOBBES
Do you believe this?
Pinocchio doesn't say anything. Maybe he doesn't know what to believe.
DOROTHY
Since the portion of the text has been hard
to translate, we don't know exactly what will
happen. But you can expect grave changes in
Harsh Realm over the next twenty-four hours.
Florence walks into the room. She has a piece of paper in her hand. She
hands it to Dorothy. Dorothy reads the paper.
INSERT SHOT OF PAPER:
READS:
It begins with that of flashing light----------this man
shall aid the three to--------one shall deceive and
cause death during the great rains------
Dorothy passes the paper to Hobbes. Hobbes reads it and look up at Dorothy.
HOBBES
We gotta find the man then.
LOUD BANGS, interrupt the conversation. It sounds like rocks falling from
the
sky hitting the roof. Everyone in the house is terrified. Pinocchio gets up,
hegrabs his MP5K and heads towards the door, Hobbes follows with his gun
drawn.
Dorothy and Florence get on the ground.
EXT. PORCH - TWILIGHT
Pinocchio opens the door and walks out onto the porch, with Hobbes behind
him.
The BANGING continues. Pinocchio looks up in the sky.
PINOCCHIO'S POV
We see hail failing from the sky, the hail doesn't look normal. It's big
junks
of ice falling from the sky. In the b.g we can hear a MAN screaming.
OLD MAN (O.S.)
I've seen it! I've seen it!
This screaming catches the attention of Hobbes and Pinocchio. They both
swiftly turn around.
HOBBES and PINOCCHIO'S POV
It's the OLD MAN from the TEASER. He's walking down the dirt road he looks
confused and delirious. He's walking very slowly. He continues to scream.
OLD MAN
I've seen it! I've seen it! This the
beginning of the end! You can't stop
it, it's too powerful!
Pinocchio runs off the porch towards the Old Man.
HOBBES
Pinocchio!
Hobbes runs over to the door, he yells in.
HOBBES
You guys better get out here.
Dorothy and Florence get off the floor.
CUT TO:
EXT. DIRT ROAD - TWILIGHT
Pinocchio still has his gun drawn runs up to the Old Man. Pinocchio
approaches
him with caution. Pinocchio points his gun at the Old Man's face.
PINOCCHIO
Who are you?
OLD MAN
Who I am doesn't matter. I will cease to exist
soon.
PINOCCHIO
Yeah? How do you know that?
OLD MAN
It's meant to be.
Hobbes, Dorothy, and Florence catch up to Pinocchio.
ANGLE TO INCLUDE OLD MAN
Pinocchio turns to Hobbes, Dorothy, and Florence.
HOBBES
What has he seen?
PINOCCHIO
All he's seen is the bottom of a Jack
Daniel's bottle.
Dorothy walks over to the Old Man. She extends her hand out in a caring
fashion.
PINOCCHIO
I wouldn't touch him, god knows where
he's been.
Dorothy puts her hand down.
DOROTHY
What is it that you've seen?
The Old Man takes a deep breath.
DOROTHY
It's alright, you can tell us.
OLD MAN
The great rain.
Everyone is taken back by these words.
Suddenly the Old Man falls to the f.g. He is gasping for air, and holding
his
chest in pain. It looks like he's having a heart attack.
Florence runs over to him. Everyone else stands in shock.
FADE OUT:
END ACT ONE.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
RESUME:
EXT. DIRT ROAD - TWILIGHT
The Old Man lies in the mud, Florence runs over to him. Hobbes, Pinocchio,
and
Dorothy all stand watching. Florence places her hand on the man's chest.
There
is no effect. The Old Man is still gasping for air, and holding his chest.
Florence looks over at Dorothy. Dorothy walks over she tries to help
Florence.
Dorothy kneels down and places her hand onto the Old Man's chest. Again no
effect, they have no idea why it's not working.
HOBBES
What's wrong, why isn't it working?
DOROTHY
It's meant to be. Like the man said.
Florence won't accept that answer. She place her hand on the Old Man again.
This time there is TRANSFER of ENERGY when she touches his chest. Florence
jumps back a bit. She rubs her hand.
DOROTHY
What's wrong?
Florence continues to rub her hand.
The Old Man begins breathing heavier. Hobbes turns around he can't watch.
The Old Man pulls Florence closer to him. He whispers into her ear.
OLD MAN
(gasping)
Now you've seen it.
Hobbes pulls Florence away from the Old Man. The Old Man continues to gasp
for air.
HOBBES
He was already dead he said so himself.
There was nothing you could do.
ANGLE TO INCLUDE OLD MAN
Hobbes, Pinocchio, Dorothy, and Florence all begin to walk away as the Old
Man
begins to DIGITIZE.
CUT TO:
EXT. DOWNTOWN SANTIAGO CITY - NIGHT
REPUBLICAN GUARD are boarding up the buildings of Santiago City. White X's
are
painted on the store windows. The Guards are stacking of sand bags in front
of buildings.
A TRUCK drives by. In the back are PRISONERS.
TWO GUARDS cross frame, they are going to smoke a cigarette, and they walk
around the corner. GUARD #1 takes out a pack of MORLEY LIGHTS, and GUARD #2
takes out his Zippo. Guard #1 then hands Guard #2 his cigarette. Guard#2
huddles over the cigarette so it doesn't get wet, he lights the Zippo, and
Guard #1 covers the flame. The two cigarette's are now light.
GUARD #1
Weird weather ain't it?
GUARD #2
They say it's the worst in years.
The Two Guards take simultaneous drags on their cigarettes
GUARD #1
Who ordered this anyway? Hell of a lot of
precaution for a little rain.
GUARD #2
Major Waters. I got the feeling that
Santiago doesn't know about it though.
It begins to rain harder now. The rain puts out the Guards cigarettes.
EXT. WSCR STATION CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Various PEOPLE are crowding the hallway. In the midst of the crowd we can
see a MAN pushing through them.
MAN
Excuse me. Excuse me.
The Man continues to push his way through the crowd. He's obviously going to
be late for something, he's rushing. As the Man gets closer to frame, we
realize it's the same MAN from the TEASER, and has the same
voice as the WEATHERMAN from the radio.
As he's push's through the crowd he bumps into JACK THE STATION MANAGER.
JACK
Watch out, speedy. What are you rushing
for anyway? You got the easiest job in
the station.
This comment grabs the Weatherman's attention. He stops moving and faces
Jack.
WEATHERMAN
What makes you think that? If you didn't notice
I'm under a lot of pressure. Lives depend on me.
Jack gives him a loud laugh.
JACK
Come on, you can tell me the truth. You make it
up as you go along, don't you?
The Weatherman is becoming angry. He's trying to be very calm about it
though.
He's trying not to let jack get to him.
WEATHERMAN
That's not tr . . .
The Weatherman sees
SUDDEN INTERNAL IMAGES IN POV:
-Of the earth shaking
-Rocks tumbling
-People crying
-Building's collapse
The Weatherman opens his eyes. Jack is shaking him violently.
JACK
It's time.
WEATHERMAN
Yeah. It is.
CUT TO:
INT. NEWS STUDIO - NIGHT
Camera equipment and sound equipment full the studio f.g. Bright lights
occupy
the ceiling. The Weatherman walks into the studio. He takes his seat at the
table. The Weatherman looks over his notes. The NEWSCASTER next
to him looks at him.
NEWSCASTER
What do you need that for?
The Weatherman just shakes his head in disgust.
The CREW get back to their cameras, etc..
The DIRECTOR comes over to the Newscaster and the Weatherman.
DIRECTOR
You guys ready?
They both nod their heads.
The Director walks back to his chair. He gives the CAMERMAN the signal to
get
ready.
DIRECTOR
...And action!
The Weatherman and the Newscaster face the cameras.
NEWSCASTER
Welcome back. As we promised you before
the break, we'll hear from DENNIS for
the weather.
CAMERAS POV
DENNIS PINETOWN (The Weatherman) comes into frame.
DENNIS
Well I wish I could have good news to
bring to everyone tonight. I have just
received some disturbing news.
Dennis looks nervous; does he honestly believe what he's going to say?
DENNIS
A 5.2 earthquake will be hitting the
Tri-state area around 9:00. The damage
will be extensive, 20,000 will be left
homeless and another 50,000 will be
Presumed dead. It's been estimated
that most of the damage and loss of
life will hit right here in Santiago
City.
And uproarious laughter rings through the studio. Everyone is laughing. This
is not the reaction he thought he's get.
DENNIS
This isn't funny, I'm serious a 5.2
earthquake will hit the tristate area
in the next several hours. Why won't
you people listen to me?
Dennis looks over at the Newscaster, he's nearly falling out of his seat
from
laughter.
REVERSE ON DENNIS
INT. SISTERHOOD HOUSE - DAY
Dorothy, Hobbes, Pinocchio, and Florence are all are watching the broadcast.
Dorothy gets up and turns the television off. The room is silent no one is
speaking.
Hobbes tries to break the tension.
HOBBES
An earthquake on the east coast, it's
unheard of.
Hobbes looks at Pinocchio some kind of response.
HOBBES
Pinocchio, you don't believe him?
Pinocchio doesn't say anything, instead he gets up and walks over to the
window and looks out.
PINOCCHIO
How the hell should I know? If it's
true . . .
Pinocchio stops talking, perhaps he doesn't know what to say or think.
DOROTHY
It's in God's hands now, it always has
been.
PINOCCHIO
Aren't doing God any good here. Shake a leg,
we're outta here.
Everyone stands up. As soon as they stand the room begins to shake. Florence
runs over to Hobbes, she guides him to the door. Pictures fall from the
wall; the sidewall splits in half. Dust begins to fill the air. Pinocchio
trips over something and falls to the floor. Dorothy tries to help him up,
but the shaking is too violent. It's almost knocking her over. The lamps
fall over crashing to the ground.
CAMERA PANS across the room to the clock that has fallen to the floor. The
clock READS: 8:01 pm
REVERSE ON CLOCK
Florence and Hobbes are standing in the doorway. PAN down to Florence's
hands.
CLOSE SHOT OF HAND
Little currents of energy are playing across her fingertips.
FADE OUT.
END ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
RESUME:
DUST fills the air. The shaking has stopped. Dorothy slowly starts to stand.
Hobbes and Florence step out of the door way. Pinocchio gets to his feet.
HOBBES
It came true.
PINOCCHIO
No, really?
HOBBES
We have to find that man. He could be the
key to stopping all this.
Hobbes looks over to a disoriented Dorothy.
TIME CUT:
EXT. PERIMETER FENCE - NIGHT
Hobbes and Pinocchio step out of the car. It's pitch black, the lights on
the fence are out. The only source of light is coming from Pinocchio's car.
PINOCCHIO
Hurry, Hobbes. We don't have a lot of time.
Hobbes picks up a rock, he throws at the fence. It gets swallowed by a
glitch.
CUT TO:
INT. WAR ROOM - NIGHT
Santiago sits at his desk, waiting. In front of him is a map of the former
United States in Harsh Realm, states colored red to show the territory he's
conquered.
The door opens with a CREAK. In walks Byers, hesitant.
BYERS
Sir, there was nothing we could have
done to stop it.
SANTIAGO
I know that!
Byers jolts back, shaken by Santiago's outburst. Gradually, he resumes his
advance toward the General.
BYERS
Actually Sir, there might be a way to stop
what is to come.
Santiago switches his attention from the miniature map to Byers now.
SANTIAGO
What?
BYERS
Minutes before the earthquake occured, a local
weatherman predicted it, right down to the
casualties. He knows what's happening.
(beat)
He might know how to stop it.
Another beat as Santiago thinks about this.
SANTIAGO
Find this man and bring him to me.
Byers exits the room. Santiago looks back down at this map.
SANTIAGO
(to himself)
Otherwise, the sacrifice we've all given will
be for nothing.
The door opens again. This time Inga Fossa walks in.
INGA'S POV
Santiago continues to stare at his map. He looks very upset.
SANTIAGO
I thought I told you to find him.
Santiago looks up. He is surprised to see Inga standing there.
SANTIAGO
Have you heard?
INGA
Heard, heard what?
SANTIAGO
There might be a way to stop this.
Inga now looks suprised.
INGA
I've come here to tell you something
else. We have her, Major Waters found
her about an hour ago.
SANTIAGO
Where?
Inga doesn't answer.
Santiago returns to viewing the map.
SANTIAGO
Bring her in.
CUT TO:
INT. WSCR STATION - CORRIDORS - NIGHT
CLOSE SHOT OF DOOR
A coat hanger slides through the crack. It moves up and down until it
catches the latch. CLICK, the door opens. In walk Hobbes and Pinocchio.
HOBBES
That was easy.
PINOCCHIO
Too damn easy, if you ask me.
Pinocchio looks very worried.
HOBBES
We gotta blend in if we're gonna find
him.
PINOCCHIO
There's only one problem. Too bad we
look like yesterday's left overs.
HOBBES
Come on.
Hobbes and Pinocchio walk through the corridors. They peer in every office
door that is open. They continue to walk. Finally a CLEAN CUT MAN passes
them.
HOBBES
Excuse me? Excuse me?
The Clean Cut Man, stops walking.
CLEAN CUT MAN
The shelter's that way.
The Clean Cut Man points at the EXIT SIGN.
HOBBES
No, where looking for a man.
Pinocchio interrupts.
PINOCCHIO
Were looking for the weather guy. You
seen him?
CLEAN CUT MAN
Yeah Dennis, he's just down the hall.
HOBBES
Can we ask you a couple of questions
about him?
CLEAN CUT MAN
I'm kinda pressed for time. Sure, make it
quick though.
HOBBES
Do you remember when Dennis came here?
Clean Cut Man thinks for a moment, frowns.
CLEAN CUT MAN
Honestly I don't remember. He just
kind of appeared one day. I don't
remember hearing anything about hiring
him.
PINOCCHIO
Thanks! You were a big help.
Usual Pinocchio sarcasism. The Clean Cut Man walks away.
CUT TO:
INT. SISTERHOOD HOUSE - NIGHT
Florence and Dorothy are picking up pictures, and other items that have
fallen to the floor. Florence stops for a minute. She stares into space. She
drops the picture she was holding. SLOW MOTION as the picture falls to the
ground. The picture hits the ground the glass shatters and flies all over.
NORMAL SPEED
Dorothy stops what she's doing.
DOROTHY
Florence are you okay? Florence?
Florence continues to stare into the abyss. It's almost like she's
catatonic.
She suddenly comes to. Shaking her head.
Florence runs over to the door, she opens it and runs out. Dorothy follows
her.
DOROTHY
Florence, where are you going?
Florence?
She has a concerned tone in her voice. She runs after Florence.
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE - NIGHT
Hobbes and Pinocchio stop at an office door. The gold sing on the door
reads: DENNIS PINETOWN. Hobbes KNOCKS. Pinocchio grabs his hand.
PINOCCHIO
This way is more fun.
Pinocchio steps back and kicks the door open. The wood on the hinges
splinters.
No one is there.
Hobbes laughs. Pinocchio sighs.
They walk into the office. It's pretty much barren in there. Except for a
few
scattered papers, and a desk, which has nothing on it.
PINOCCHIO
Don't expect this place to be in the
next issue of "Modern Living."
Hobbes continues to canvas the room, looking for anything that might help.
Hobbes goes through the papers on the desk. They just have notes scribbled
on them.
INSERT SHOT
Paper reads:
It begins with that of flashing light and powerful
thunders. A man will come this man shall aid the three
to victory. One of the three shall deceive and cause death during the great
rains. This rain will destroy Santiago City it will pave the way for the
coming of the one. The one who will triumph throughout the land.
HOBBES
Oh my god . . .
PINOCCHIO
What?
HOBBES
You gotta read this.
Pinocchio slips a gold watch into his pocket.
PINOCCHIO
Be right there.
Pinocchio walks over to Hobbes.
HOBBES
Look at this, he's filled in the
blanks. He's finished the prophecy.
Pinocchio reads the paper.
PINOCCHIO
Wow. Vague. You can pretty come up
with any crap from this.
HOBBES
I thought you believed
PINOCCHIO
Maybe I do, but I'm not with this "This
man's the key" garbage.
VOICE (O.S.)
Well he is, and we have to protect
him.
Hobbes and Pinocchio turn around. Byers is standing in the door way.
PINOCCHIO
Why are you here?
BYERS
Same reason you are.
Byers steps into the room, he walks over to Pinocchio and Hobbes.
HOBBES
He isn't here.
BYERS
I figured that. We have to find him
fast.
HOBBES
What the hell is going on?
BYERS
What's going on is something we've
known would happen. I've tried to stop
it for months, but I was unsuccessful.
PINOCCHIO
What you mean you knew?
BYERS
It's in the book. We knew this storm
would come and destroy Santiago City. I
tried to override the system it wouldn't
work. Who ever programmed the prophecy must
have programmed what is happening into the
weather system that runs Harsh Realm.
Hobbes and Pinocchio look confused.
BYERS
When Harsh Realm was first created,
one of the stock holder's was a
Meteorologist. He had a Doppler
Weather system programmed into the game.
This weather system would allow you to
program any kind of weather simulation into
the game. The system would then give you a
report filled with data that included
casualties, destruction, et cetera. He created
it as precaution, so we could plan ahead, predict
the future. The catch was, what ever was programmed
into the game wasn't supposed to happen.
HOBBES
And now it is.
PINOCCHIO
That's great story Byers, but it doesn't explain
this guy.
BYERS
I believe that he has some how been able to tap into
this system. He's been able to decipher what will
happen next. The prophecy is working through him.
A (beat)
BYERS
And we gotta protect him from Santiago.
CUT TO:
INT. CLOSET - NIGHT
Dennis sits inside the closet, he's sitting on an old milk crate. He's head
is pressed against the door. He's eavesdropping on their conversation.
HOBBES (O.S.)
Why?
BYERS (O.S.)
Santiago wants to use him for further
control of the game. This man, Dennis
Pinetown, is valuable to the Santiago
Administration.
Dennis moves away from the door.
Then he begins to shake.
Dennis begins to see
SUDDEN IMAGES:
-Raging waters rushing down the streets oof Santiago City
-Men and Women are caught in the waters, washed away.
Dennis comes too. Sweat pours down his face.
INT. OFFICE - NIGHT
Hobbes and Pinocchio are still standing at the desk. Byers is facing them.
BYERS
I have something else to tell you.
HOBBES
What?
BYERS
I've seen your friend Ruby, Santiago
has her.
Byers looks over at Pinocchio. Pinocchio looks suddenly very concerned.
PINOCCHIO
We have to help her.
Suddenly the closet door bursts open. Pinocchio grabs his gun. Dennis comes
running out.
HOBBES
Don't shoot.
Pinocchio puts away his gun. Everyone runs after him.
INT. CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Hobbes, Pinocchio, and Byers run after Dennis. He's heading towards the
studio.
BYERS
We have to get him!
Hobbes, Pinocchio, and Byers try to catch up to Dennis. He's eluding them, a
bit faster on foot than they are.
HOBBES
(to Dennis)
You gotta listen to us! We're trying to help
you!
Dennis doesn't listen. Instead, he gets to the Studio Entrance, he flings
the door open, and bolts in.
INT. NEWS STUDIO-NIGHT-RAIN
The Broadcast is on air. Dennis runs through the cameras and wires, heading
towards the center desk.
The Director stands up.
DIRECTOR
(angrily)
Dennis what the hell are you doing?
A(beat)
DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
Stop him!
An INTERN steps in Dennis' way, Dennis pulls out a gun an fires. The Intern
DIGITIZES, screams echo through the studio. The CREW stands and watches in
horror. Dennis runs up to the desk, the Newscaster is sitting there, blank
faced.
Up above the fray, a small sign blinks the words "On Air".
DENNIS
Move over!
Dennis points his gun in the Newscaster's face. The Newscaster slides over
to the seat adjacent to him.
DENNIS
(shouting)
Keep the cameras on, I want everyone to
hear this!
Dennis points the gun away from the Newscaster and over to the CAMERA MAN.
DENNIS
Don't do anything stupid! I want everyone to
listen to me!
The studio door opens. Pinocchio, Hobbes, and Byers walk in. Pinocchio pulls
out his gun, when he sees that Dennis has one.
This catches the attention of Dennis. He waves the gun in Pinocchio's
direction.
DENNIS
(angrily at Pinocchio)
Back off!
Hobbes looks over at Pinocchio.
HOBBES
Put it down.
PINOCCHIO
Dammit, Hobbes . . .
HOBBES
Do it.
Pinocchio reluctantly puts his gun in its holster.
Dennis then composes himself in a professional manner. He fixes his tie, and
turns on his wireless microphone.
DENNIS
Ladies and Gentlemen of Santiago City,
I've interrupted this broadcast to
bring an important issue to light. And
issue that General Santiago doesn't
want you to know about.
Hobbes looks over at Byers.
DENNIS
The storm that has been active in
Santiago City for the last several
hours is now full blown. I have reason
to believe that flood will hit
Santiago City within the hour. You
must take immediate cover and shelter.
You have to listen to me.
Byers walk over to Pinocchio. He goes up to his hear and begins to whisper.
BYERS
(whispering)
We have to get off the air before Santiago
sees this.
Pinocchio shakes his head. He slowly takes out his gun. Hobbes gives
Pinocchio an annoyed look.
Pinocchio notices that Dennis has put his gun down.
DENNIS (O.S.)
Please if you are watching, take
Immediate cover. The death rate will
be high for those who do not stay off
the streets. Please I urge everyone to
stay off the streets.
Pinocchio begins to creep up to Dennis, who is preoccupied with the
broadcast.
His gun is lying among the filed reports that were gonna be read, just out
of Dennis's reach. Pinocchio then picks up his pace, and goes for it.
PINOCCHIO
Don't even go for the gun. It's over.
Pinocchio presses his MP5K in Dennis' face.
PINOCCHIO
One wrong move and you're canceled.
Hobbes and Byers run up to the desk.
PINOCCHIO
You're coming with us.
Dennis stands up slowly. Pinocchio grabs the back of his suit jacket and
pushes him off the stage. Hobbes and Byers follow.
REVERSE OFF BROADCAST
INT. SANTIAGO'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Santiago sits watching his television in his office. He looks extremely
pissed. He stands up and throws the remote at the television. It shatters
the screen and then lands with a thump on the floor.
Back on Santiago. He storms out of the room.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. JAIL CELL - NIGHT
The jail cell is very musty and dilapidated. We can hear the dripping of
water.
A pair of white shoes crosses frame. We PAN off the shoes to see that RUBY
is sitting on the floor. She doesn't look to happy.
The room is very quiet all we can hear is the dripping water and the rain
that is falling outside. Ruby sits calmly on the cold ground. Suddenly she
begins to shake.
Ruby sees SUDDEN IMAGES:
-Raging waters rushing down the streets oof Santiago City
-Men and Women are caught in the waters, washed away.
This is the same vision that Dennis had earlier.
Ruby opens her eyes. She stands up she walks over to the barred window.
The rain begins to pour harder. Rainwater is beginning to fill in the
streets. The streetlights begin to flicker off and on.
RUBY
(to herself)
Fresh slate.
The jail cell opens.
Frightened she turns around to see Santiago stands there.
FADE OUT.
END ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
EXT. PARKING LOT - NIGHT
The studio EXIT door swings open. Hobbes and Byers come out first. Hobbes
looks around, to see if everything is clear.
HOBBES
It's clear.
BYERS
I'll get the car.
Pinocchio throws Byers the keys. Dennis steps out of the doorway. He's
pushed along by Pinocchio, who has his gun pressed against Dennis' neck.
PINOCCHIO
Keep moving.
DENNIS
What's this all about?
PINOCCHIO
I'd keep your trap shut if I were you.
Pinocchio's car, screech's around the corner. The car pulls up next to
Hobbes and Pinocchio. Hobbes opens the back door. Pinocchio pushes Dennis
into the car.
PINOCCHIO
Get in!
Dennis climbs into the back seat, Pinocchio seats behind him still pointing
his gun at him.
CUT TO:
INT. CAR - NIGHT
Pinocchio sits with his gun at Dennis in the back seat. Hobbes is in the
passenger's side and Byers is driving.
PINOCCHIO
Better be careful driving my car, Byers.
Byers turns around and gives him a smile.
PINOCCHIO
Did you hear a word I said? Keep your damn eyes
on the road.
DENNIS
Well he better, because a branch is about to fall.
PINOCCHIO
What was that?
DENNIS
I said he better watch out, because a branch is about
to fall.
Byers stops the car. Byers looks out the window, he doesn't see anything.
BYERS' POV: A few feet ahead of him, lighting strikes a tree. Sparks fly
everywhere. Then the tree branch falls onto the road. Everyone turns and
looks at Dennis.
PINOCCHIO
Some trick, Merlin.
Hobbes interrupts.
HOBBES
How do you do it?
DENNIS
I don't know.
PINOCCHIO
Cut the crap. How do you do it?
DENNIS
I just see it.
PINOCCHIO
There's a start. How long's it been like this.
DENNIS
Yesterday.
BYERS
Did you have contact with anyone? Was there anything
out of the ordinary that happened to you?
Dennis sits and thinks.
DENNIS
You don't get the power to predict accurate weather
patterns and then say nothing out of of the ordinary's
happened to you.
Pinocchio places his finger on the trigger.
DENNIS
Sorry. Yesterday I had an encounter with this old man,
he kept rambling about how he's seen it, and that how
something was inside him. I tried to help him, but he
walked away. After that, I started seeing it all.
BYERS
Is that all you remember? We have to find out what is
causing this.
DENNIS
I'll never give this gift up, people are finally listening
to me, people are finally paying attention to what I have
to say.
Hobbes looks at Pinocchio.
HOBBES
We gotta get whatever's in you out of you. We met the old
man, and it killed him. It might be killing you too.
DENNIS
No, whatever this thing is, it's the best thing that has ever happened to
me.
PINOCCHIO
You wanna die, that's your own damn business.
Pinocchio turns to Byers.
PINOCCHIO
Santiago City. We gotta find Ruby.
Byers starts the car. The car speeds off into the misty night.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. INTEROGATION ROOM - NIGHT
PAN down off of CROSSED SWORDS. Ruby is sitting in a white outfit. She is
seated at a round black table. A microphone is placed in front of her. The
door opens.
Santiago walks in. He doesn't look pleased. Santiago walks over to the
table. He pulls the chair opposite of Ruby and takes a seat.
SANTIAGO
You obviously know why your here.
Ruby sits and stares out the window. The rain is pouring, lightning is
flashing.
SANTIAGO
Tell me what is happening. You know what is making these
events occur.
RUBY
So do you.
Santiago is becoming very agitated with Ruby.
SANTIAGO
I'm not going to tolerate these Prophetic games.
Tell me how to stop this.
RUBY
You can't. It's in God's hands now.
SANTIAGO
God. The only God here is me.
Ruby gives a slight smile.
SANTIAGO
Perhaps you're right. Perhaps we'll see if this God you so
strongly put faith in can save the Sisterhood you created
from the torture they will face.
Ruby stops smiling. She is now ready to talk.
RUBY
It's too soon. It's not supposed to happen like this.
Something is wrong. I'm the only one that knows it.
SANTIAGO
Knows what?
RUBY
She's back. She's causing all of this.
Santiago turns and looks out the window. The flood waters are beginning to
fill the streets.
SANTIAGO
Who?
RUBY
Your experiment into artificial intelligence.
Santiago pauses.
SANTIAGO
You know about that?
RUBY
Before the final stages and the preparations where to
begin. The great rain was supposed to lay waste to the
believers of the False One. The Irredemable.
Santiago sits back in his chair.
SANTIAGO
She's fulfilling it herself.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Florence walks into frame.
FLORENCE'S POV: She sees the government house. The Republican Guard flags
are ripped and trash is scattered all over the stairs.
DOROTHY
(O.S.)
Florence! Florence!
Florence turns around. Dorothy is running up to her. Lightning is flashing
all around Florence. The winds swirl around her, and the rain is pouring on
directly on her.
WE can hear the SCREECHING of a car coming to a quick stop.
Pinocchio and Hobbes get out. Byers and Dennis stay in the car.Pinocchio and
Hobbes run over to Dorothy, she is terrified.
HOBBES' POV: Florence stands in front of the government house. She raises
her hands and lightning strikes behind her. Shehas a menacing look on her
face.
CLOSE SHOT OF FLORENCE'S EYES, as they begin to widen in madness. A SIREN
goes off in the b.g. REPUBLICAN GUARD pulls up. They get out of there trucks
and swarm in.
DOROTHY
We have to stop, she'll ruin everything. It can't
happen like this!
HOBBES
What are you talking about?
DOROTHY
Florence . . . it's not her!
Hobbes looks at Pinocchio. Pinocchio then takes his gun out and points it at
Florence.The Republican Guard runs up to Florence. They draw ther guns too.
There is a huge standoff in the street. The flood waters are rising higher.
The waters is flowing around everyone's feet.
CUT TO:
INT. INTEROGATION ROOM - NIGHT
Santiago stands at the window watching all this transpire.
RUBY
(O.S.)
You have to let me go. I'm the only one who can stop
this now.
Santiago turns, both he and Ruby exchanging distrustful looks.
HARD CUT TO:
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Ruby runs down the government house stairwell. She's running as fast as she
can.
RUBY'S POV: Florence still is standing at the center of the storm. The
Republican Guard, Hobbes, and Pinocchio all have their guns pointed at each
other. Suddenly shots begin to fire. Bullets are sprayed everywhere.
In the confusion of the shoot out, Florence is hit. Ruby watches her fall to
the ground.
RUBY
Florence!
Ruby runs up to Florence.
Pinocchio looks completely shaken. We've never seen him this shocked.
Ruby looks up at Pinocchio. Ruby has kneeled down next to Florence. Ruby
places her hand onto Florence's chest. She presses down on the wound, blood
pours out.
Tears begin to roll down Ruby's chin. She is despartly trying to save her
life.
Ruby then looks up to Pinocchio again. He's trying to hold back his
emotions.
RUBY
You must stop running. You will only win the game
if the three of you work together.
Pinocchio tries to figure out she just said that.
PINOCCHIO'S POV: Ruby continues to try and heal Florence. Florence begins to
DIGITIZE. Then suddenly it stops.
Ruby then begins to flicker, she then DIGITIZES. Florence awakes.
Pinocchio stands in silence. Hobbes walks over to Pinocchio and places his
hand on his shoulder.
HOBBES
Pinocchio . . .
Pinocchio shrugs off Hobbes' hand. He's trying to return back to his old
demeanor.
PINOCCHIO
Get in the car, Hobbes, we gotta get out of here.
HOBBES
I don't know how much she meant to you . . .
PINOCCHIO
Shut up. It doesn't matter anymore. She's dead, ain't
nothing we can do about.
HOBBES
Please . . .
Pinocchio doesn't respond. Dorothy walks over to Florence and helps her off
the ground.
CUT TO:
INT. CAR - NIGHT
Byers and Dennis sit in the car, they are watching in disbelief over what
has just happened. They notice the rain has stopped and the flood waters are
beginning to recede.
Byers opens the car door. Byers steps out of the car. He walks over to the
passenger side to let Dennis out.
Dennis gets out of the car.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Dennis and Byers begin to walks away. A hand grabs Byers shoulder. He turns
around, Republican Guard are standing there.
GUARD
The General would like to see the both
of you.
TIME CUT TO:
INT. LABRATORY-DAY
White lab coats cross frame. Dennis is strapped to a gurney. Wires are
hooked up to him, monitoring his system. Clamps are holding his eyes open.
This is very reminiscent of "A Clockwork Orange".
Santiago walks into the room. He greets Byers with a firm handshake.
SANTIAGO
You needed to see me.
BYERS
Yes Sir, we've figured out the problem.
SANTIAGO
Proceed.
BYERS
Mr. Pinetown's digital file has been severely damaged.
We've come to believe this is a result of energy that was transferred from
an unknown subject to him. A subject we've
been able to deduce the exact identity of.
SANTIAGO
Who?
Byers looks down at his notes.
BYERS
The energy the was passed, is similar to that of DIGBY. She
must have been living inside the Doppler system, and she must
have figured out this so-called prophecy, she used this story as an
advantage to cover herself.
SANTIAGO
Or fulfill it.
BYERS
Sir?
Santiago exhales sharply.
SANTIAGO
Continue.
BYERS
She knew that anyone she came in contact with, would
digitize. So she picked the healers, because she knew
they could withstand the energy longer than a VC. She
must have quickly entered Dennis and left, because she
knew he couldn't handle her. But when she left, she left
him her game plan. He knew what she planned to do, down
to every last detail.
Santiago looks over Dennis.
SANTIAGO
Fine work, Mr. Byers.
Santiago exits the room without a word.
CLOSE SHOT OF DENNIS
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. FIELD-DAY
CRANE DOWN TO Pinocchio and Florence standing in a field. The sun is
shinning bright.
PINOCCHIO'S POV: The clouds begin to part. A rainbow begins to form in the
sky. Suddenly a distorted image of Ruby appears in the clouds. Pinocchio
begins to squint.
PINOCCHIO
Can't be real . . .
Florence notices his gaze into the sky. Her eyes are puffy, she's been
crying. But she looks up.
FLORENCE'S POV: She doesn't see anything but darkness. Florence doesn't know
what Pinocchio is staring at.
Pinocchio takes her hand gently.
PINOCCHIO
Come on.
He leads her to the Chevelle in the b.g., hand-in-hand.
FADE OUT.
THE END