HARSH REALM VIRTUAL SEASON
"Revelator"
By Daniel S. Vieira
raamthodol@earthlink.net
TEASER:
EXT. CLEARING -- DAY
We open with a shot of blue sky, the POV slowly coming down to a tree in bloom, covered with
flowers. As the POV comes to the ground, we see green grass, plants, and shrubs -- all signs of
spring. The time is morning, no later than 10:00 am.
REVELATOR (v.o)
Remember I come to this place not to bring a sword, but truth.
The camera slowly pans to the left, where we see a small hill. There is a group of people sitting
on the hill around the top. On the summit of the hill we see a man with his back to us, wearing a
long cloak made of a white burlap material, with fringes and a hood over his head. In his right
hand is a staff, on which he is leaning. His other hand is raised up facing the crowd on the other
side of the hill.
REVELATOR (v.o.)
"They shall beat their swords into plowshares. They shall make war no more."
A CHILD sitting next to her mother stands and walks toward the man. He looks down to see her
walking toward him. CUT to a close up of the child, who raises her hand to show a bandage
wrapped around it, bloody. He kneels down to her level, the hood of the cloak still masking his
face. The mother stands and calls to the child, but the man raises a hand toward her.
REVELATOR
"Suffer the children to come to me, for theirs is the kingdom". Leave her.
The mother sits down. The Revelator takes the child's head in his left hand..
REVELATOR
What is your name, little one?
CHILD
Susan, sir.
REVELATOR
How did you hurt your hand?
SUSAN
I was bit by a dog sir. It hurts.
REVELATOR
And you have come for me to help you? Do you know what you must do?
SUSAN
My mother says that I must believe in you. I hafta believe that you can help me.
REVELATOR
Well, Susan, do you believe? Do you?
SUSAN
I don't know, sir. My mother said that you could help my hand.
REVELATOR
I can if you believe, dear one. Tell me if you can do that.
SUSAN
Yes sir, I do believe.
REVELATOR
Then hold out your hand, Susan.
Susan holds out the hand covered in blood and bandages. The Revelator takes her hand in his
left.
REVELATOR
Say "I believe" dear one. Say it over and over.
SUSAN (murmuring)
I believe...I believe...I believe...
Susan keeps repeating this over and over. The Revelator drops his head as if in concentration,
and a glow comes around the joined hands of the Revelator and Susan.
REVELATOR
Keep saying you believe!
SUSAN
I do! I believe! Ahh!
Susan screams as the glow around their joined hands reaches a blinding level. She screams again
and the Revelator releases the grip, allowing her to fall to the ground. Her mother runs over to
her, then looks at the bandages. POV from the mother's angle: the bandages are no longer
bloody.
The mother yells in surprise as the grabs her child's hand and removes the bandages. There is no
wound on the hand -- the child is healed. The mother gasps in surprise, then looks up in wonder
at the Revelator.
MOTHER
It's a miracle! A miracle...A miracle...
She breaks down crying. The Revelator stands, and puts his hand on her head in a manner of
blessing.
REVELATOR
Your daughter is made whole, mother. Do you believe?
MOTHER (crying)
Yes, I do! We all do! We know you have been sent to save us!
The Revelator pats her head again, and then raises his hands, with his back to the camera again.
REVELATOR
I have come to make the way straight! The one who comes after me shall lead us to
salvation! I am not worthy to strap his sandal or even bring him comfort!
The Revelator starts to turn, with his hands still held up, one holding his staff. The people sitting
around him stand and raise their hands in supplication.
REVELATOR
I am the voice in the wilderness, calling those who have lost faith to believe! The
savior approaches! The day of our healing has been set!
The Revelator turns and faces the camera for the first time. He drops his staff and pulls his hood
back from his head. We now see that he is an older man, around 60, with a mass of salt and
pepper hair and a full beard and mustache. We also see that he has no eyes, but white scars
where his eyes should be.
REVELATOR
He comes from without, but shall lead from within! He holds the sword of retribution
in his hand! Make way and prepare for the coming of the savior!
The Revelator holds a fist up in front of his face, so all we can see are the damaged eyes.
REVELATOR (quietly)
He is the One...
Hold on the face of the Revelator for a moment, while off screen we hear people cheer.
FADE OUT
ACT ONE
EXT. PITTSBURGH ENCAMPMENT -- DAY, RAIN
We quickly fade in to a scene of PINOCCHIO walking through a maze of people, with a hood
over his head to keep off the pouring rain. He has a bag in his hand which he is keeping tightly
closed. A caption reads "PITTSBURGH ENCAMPMENT -- HARSH REALM."
Pinocchio dodges a few more people running around to get out of the rain, and then makes a
sharp right turn through a small doorway in a wall.
CUT to:
INT. ROOM -- DAY
We see a small room with a wooden table, chairs, and a fireplace in which is lit a large fire.
Sitting next to the fire are HOBBES and FLORENCE, warming themselves. Pinocchio comes
up, removes his hood and rain gear, and sits down next to Hobbes. He reaches into his bag and
hands Hobbes a can.
PINOCCHIO
Here you go, kid. Eat up.
Hobbes looks at the can.
HOBBES
Beans? That's it?
PINOCCHIO
In this weather, no one was cooking anything. I took the first thing I could find. I
found some bread.
He hands Hobbes a loaf of bread. Hobbes sniffs it.
HOBBES
It smells a bit old.
PINOCCHIO
What do you think this is, drive thru? Eat it.
Pinocchio takes a knife, cuts it into his can, and opens it. Hobbes and Florence do the same.
HOBBES
Why is it raining?
Pinocchio gives him an annoyed look.
PINOCCHIO
Because that's the way the weather works....what kind of stupid question is that?
HOBBES
I just don't get why it should rain. None of this is real.
PINOCCHIO
It's just like the real world, Hobbes. Everything, including crappy weather.
HOBBES
I guess...it just seems weird
PINOCCHIO
Everything about this place is "weird." It's part of the program.
HOBBES
Yeah, but...(shakes his head)..ah, never mind.
PINOCCHIO
Just eat your damn beans. I'm going out again.
He stands up and walks to the door.
PINOCCHIO
We're gonna need a couple more blankets. It'll get pretty cold tonight here. (exits.)
Hobbes looks over at Florence
HOBBES
Has he always been like this?
She grins and nods her head. Hobbes shakes his and eats another spoonful of beans.
CUT to:
EXT. PITTSBURGH ENCAMPMENT -- DAY, RAIN
Pinocchio is trudging through the rain, looking up and making faces. Suddenly he glances to his
left. POV change to Pinocchio's perspective: he sees a BOY, about nine, looking at him around
a corner. When the boy realizes Pinocchio sees him, he turns around the corner and runs off.
Pinocchio looks with a puzzled yet annoyed look, then trudges around the corner after the boy.
CUT TO:
EXT. MUDDY STREET DAY, RAIN
Pinocchio comes around the corner looking for the boy, but sees no one. He pulls out his gun,
slowly walking down the alley. Suddenly, two men step out from behind a wall, walking toward
Pinocchio. As a trained soldier, Pinocchio doesn't hesitate, hitting one of them over the head
with the rifle, who falls unconscious, and then kicking the other. The second falls into a pile of
refuse, then stands up. He turns for a go at Pinocchio, but as he turns he finds himself looking
straight into the barrel of Pinocchio's rifle.
PINOCCHIO
You better start talking, moron.
MATTHIAS
Please! I was just trying to meet the One.
PINOCCHIO
The what?
MATTHIAS
The One! Our savior!
Pinocchio makes a disgusted look, rolling his eyes.
PINOCCHIO
Oh God. So what are you doing here?
MATTHIAS
We just wanted to talk to you....we wanted to meet you so you could take us to him.
PINOCCHIO
Why do you think he would want to talk to you, jackass?
MATTHIAS
We have a message for him from the Revelator.
PINOCCHIO
The Revelator? What's that?
MATTHIAS
The Prophet from the sky! Please, take us to him!
Pinocchio shakes his head, but gives in.
PINOCCHIO
Alright, but just you. Let this slob sleep here for a while. (looking around) Where's
that kid?
MATTHIAS
He's around. Please, just take me to him. This is important.
Pinocchio gestures with the rifle back out the alley.
PINOCCHIO
OK, let's go. You first.
The man walks by toward the entrance to the alley. Pinocchio looks around a bit, glances at the
man still unconscious on the ground, and then follows.
CUT to:
INT. ROOM -- DAY
Hobbes and Florence are finishing their food, looking into the fire. They jump up as the door
flies open, grabbing their rifles. POV to the open door, with the man standing there, looking at
Hobbes He makes a groaning sound, then runs into the room, kneeling at Hobbes' feet.
MATTHIAS
The savior! It is as the Revelator promised.
Pinocchio steps in. Hobbes looks down at the man, at Florence, and then at Pinocchio.
HOBBES
What is this?
Pinocchio grunts, shaking his head.
PINOCCHIO
Your fan club's grown.
MATTHIAS
It is you, just as he said! Salvation has come.
HOBBES
Who are you?
MATTHIAS
I am known as Matthias. I have been sent by the Revelator to bring you to our camp.
HOBBES
Who sent you?
MATTHIAS
The Revelator! The Prophet from the Sky!
PINOCCHIO
Yeah, Hobbes. Flying prophets. Don't you know what's going on with your
Mouseketeers?
MATTHIAS
Will you come?
HOBBES
Get up! And tell me what's going on here.
Matthias stands.
MATTHIAS
The Revelator came to us three months ago...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. FARMLAND -- DAY
We see many people working in a field of various crops. Men, women and children are all
digging, planting, and not looking very happy.
MATTHIAS (V.O.)
We were planting our crops when he came.
A man glances up, and smacks the man working next to him on the hand. The second man
glances at him, and then follows the first's upraised hand pointing to the sky. POV changes to
the sky, with a figure descending toward the field. Everyone stands up, transfixed by the
descending figure.
MATTHIAS (V.O.)
He came from the sky, landing in our field.
CUT TO:
EXT. FARMLAND -- DAY
The man has landed in the field. All the people are slowly walking toward him.
MATTHIAS (V.O.)
He said...
REVELATOR
Behold! I have come to set the world on fire! Follow me and a new world will be yours!
CUT TO:
EXT. VILLAGE -- DAY
The Revelator now stands in a small village of very crude homes. People are all around him,
some standing back, others close with looks of supplication on their faces. A woman is brought
up to him on a cot. She looks very ill. The Revelator looks down at her, with a smile, although
his eyes are missing.
MATTHIAS (V.O.)
He healed our sick, and taught us many things. All he asked was that we believe.
The Revelator grabs her hand, concentrating. A nimbus surrounds her body for a moment.
When it fades, she opens her eyes and stands up from the cot. All around her cheer and raise
their hands towards the Revelator.
MATTHIAS (V.O.)
At first he only spoke to us about our sicknesses and needs. But then...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. ROOM -- NIGHT
The Revelator sits on the floor in a room with a large fire behind him in a fireplace. Many men
and women sit around him. He appears to be speaking to them of very deep matters.
MATTHIAS (V.O.)
He told us that he was but a forerunner for the savior. He said the savior would come
from outside, and that he would lead us against the enemy. Against Santiago
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. ROOM DAY.
We are back in the room where Matthias is speaking to Hobbes. He has a look of fanaticism on
his face, speaking but looking off in the distance.
MATTHIAS
And now you are here! Please, you must come with us to meet the Revelator!
Hobbes looks at Florence, who gives him a look of incomprehension and shrugs. Hobbes then
glances at Pinocchio who has been eating his beans.
HOBBES
Pinocchio, did you hear this?
PINOCCHIO
Yeah. This sounds like either a trap or a bunch of freaks. Either way, we should stay out.
MATTHIAS
No! This is no trick! Look, I have proof!
He reaches into a pocket. Florence pulls her rifle up and points it directly at Matthias.
MATTHIAS
No, please. Just look at this.
He pulls a small square piece of paper out of his pocket, handing it to Hobbes. POV changes to
Hobbes' hand. We see the paper is a photograph of Hobbes. It's his military ID picture. Hold on
the picture for a beat.
CUT TO:
EXT. ALLEY -- DAY
We see the other man that Pinocchio knocked out earlier laying in the alley, being kicked awake
by a boot.
VOICE
Wake up! Hey! Get up!
Another boot kicks him on the other side. He groans and rolls over, looking up. POV change to
two Republican Guards looking down at him with amused looks on their faces.
FADE OUT
ACT TWO
INT. ROOM -- DAY
We are back in the room, with the POV on the picture. We change POV to Hobbes.
HOBBES
Where did you get this?
MATTHIAS
From the Revelator.
Florence come up and looks at the picture. She glances at Hobbes with alarm on her face.
PINOCCHIO
What is it?
HOBBES
It's my military ID picture. The real thing. I think it's the original.
PINOCCHIO (getting up)
That's impossible...
He walks over and takes the picture from Hobbes. He glances at it, then holds it up in Matthias'
face.
PINOCCHIO
Where did you get it? How did you get this picture?
MATTHIAS
I told you, I didn't get it at all. The Revelator gave it to me. Why don't you believe?
Pinocchio looks at Hobbes, handing him back the picture.
PINOCCHIO
This has Santiago written all over it.
HOBBES
Maybe...
PINOCCHIO
What do you mean, "maybe?" Who else has the power to get your picture? Someone
from outside, Hobbes. Think about it.
MATTHIAS
You think we are working for Santiago?
PINOCCHIO
Maybe not directly, but this is his work.
MATTHIAS (to Hobbes)
Please! Just come see the Revelator. He'll show you the truth.
Hobbes looks at Florence, who makes a "I don't know" face, and then at Pinocchio who shakes
his head.
HOBBES
I think we should go see what's going on there.
Pinocchio groans.
PINOCCHIO
Hobbes, why? How long ago was that stupid trial Santiago made us go through? Do you
want to go through something like that again, or worse?
>From outside, we hear a child yelling.
CHILD (outside)
Matthias! Matthias! Where are you?
Matthias turns and runs outside, yelling.
MATTHIAS (outside)
Gregory! Come here!
The trio glance at each other while Matthias comes back in, leading the boy Pinocchio saw in the
alley by his hand. The child is soaked. Florence looks at him, then runs over to the fire, grabs a
blanket, and brings it over to him, wrapping the boy up in it.
MATTHIAS
Gregory, where's James?
GREGORY
Some men took him! They brought him across town.
HOBBES
Who's James?
MATTHIAS
Our friend who came with us. He ...(glancing at Pinocchio, a beat) ran into your friend
here.
Hobbes casts a glance at Pinocchio who shrugs.
HOBBES
Gregory, what did these men look like?
GREGORY
They were dressed like soldiers, with red caps and guns. (to Matthias) Is that him?
MATTHIAS (smiling)
Yes, Gregory. He's the One.
PINOCCHIO
He's not anything yet. (to Hobbes) Those were Republican Guards. I think we should
get out of town.
HOBBES
We need to see first. (to Gregory) Can you lead us to where they took James?
Gregory nods.
HOBBES
Good. Matthias, you should come also. Florence?
She nods, grabbing her coat.
HOBBES
Pinocchio? Coming?
PINOCCHIO
Damn it Hobbes! This could be a trap.
HOBBES
I doubt it. If it were, they would have followed Gregory here right to us. I don't think
they know we're here yet. Come on.
He hustles Matthias and Gregory out the door. Florence glances at Pinocchio and follows.
Pinocchio shakes his head, and exits as well.
CUT TO:
INT. SHACK -- DAY
We are inside a small shack being used as a headquarters by the Guards. They have James tied to
a chair, with a nasty mouse under one eye to show that they don't like what he's been saying. One
guard has a radio and is talking into it.
GUARD #1
All we can get out of him is that he's here with others to see the "One." Do you know
what he's talking about, sir?
A voice comes over the radio. It's Waters.
WATERS
Hold him! I'll be there in about five minutes.
GUARD #1
Yes sir.
He puts down the radio, and then walks back over to James.
GUARD #1
You better think about telling us more about this, pal. When Major Waters gets here,
this will get ugly if you don't co-operate.
JAMES
"Fear not those that can destroy the body, but those that destroy the soul."
GUARD #2
Where did he get that? What does he mean?
GUARD #1
Sounds like some religious claptrap.
GUARD #2
Is that it? You some kind of cult leader?
JAMES
I am but one who follows the Prophet.
GUARD #1
You're gonna disappear from the world if you keep talking like that.
Close up on James, smiling.
CUT TO:
EXT. SHACK -- DAY
Hobbes, Pinocchio, Florence, Matthias, and Gregory look from behind some bushes at the shack.
The rain is coming down harder than before.
PINOCCHIO
That's it?
GREGORY
Yes, that's where they took James.
PINOCCHIO
Hobbes, if there are Guards in there, they'll have company somewhere close by. I think
we should get out of here.
MATTHAIS
Please! If they force him to speak, they will find our camp, and the Revelator.
PINOCCHIO
So what? He'll just fly back up to heaven, right? What does he have to worry about?
HOBBES
Will you just cool it for once? For the love of --
Hobbes stops speaking as we hear the sound of engines. From down the road come four
humvees toward the shack. The gang hides deeper in the bushes. The humvees stop by the
shack, and WATERS and seven more Guards get out and enter the shack.
PINOCCHIO
What did I tell you? It looks like your buddy James is about to tell everything he knows.
CUT TO:
INT. SHACK -- DAY
We see a close up of James' face, being hit by a gloved hand. Waters and his contingent are
standing in the shack around him, and a Guard is getting ready to deal another blow. Waters
holds his hand.
WATERS
Are you ready to talk yet, or do you want to lose a few teeth first?
JAMES
You can kill me, but the struggle of the One will continue.
WATERS
The One? Are you talking about Tom Hobbes?
JAMES
Yes, the one from outside that shall restore order here.
Waters sinks to one knee to get his face on a similar level with James.
WATERS
The only "order," friend, is in Santiago City. People outside the fences live in filth,
brutality, and hunger. Only General Santiago has the capability of bringing peace to
this world.
He gets up, and stands over James, menacing.
WATERS
So forget about your ideas of salvation by Hobbes. General Santiago will deal with him
in due time.
He turns and walks toward the door, gesturing for another to follow him out. Exits.
CUT TO:
EXT. SHACK -- DAY
Hobbes and the rest of the group are still hiding behind the bushes.
PINOCCHIO
That was Waters.
HOBBES
I know. (looking at Matthias) This looks bad. We can't take all of these men on now.
MATTHIAS
Then we must go quickly to the camp. We must warn the Revelator and the rest of my
people about this.
PINOCCHIO
I think you should just-- (cut off)
HOBBES
Quiet! They're coming out!
POV change from the bushes to see Waters and LIEUTENANT BRYSON step out from the
shack. They walk a bit toward the bushes where Hobbes et al are hiding, then stop.
WATERS
What do you think, Lieutenant?
BRYSON
Finish this one off, sir. I don't think a bunch of religious nuts are a danger to the General.
WATERS
Any organized group can be dangerous. And if Hobbes and Pinocchio are involved, this
could be the basis for a larger insurrection. (a beat) I think we should take him to
General Santiago.
BRYSON
Do you really feel he needs to be involved in a minor affair like this? It seems rather
simple.
WATERS
Normally, yeah, but like I said, if Hobbes is involved, this could be something larger
under the surface. Get him ready to travel. We leave for Santiago City in five minutes.
BRYSON (reluctantly)
Uh...yes sir. I'll get things rolling.
Bryson walks back and enters the shack. POV change back to the group hiding in the bushes.
Pinocchio begins bringing up his rifle.
PINOCCHIO (whispering)
This is perfect, Hobbes. I'm taking a shot.
HOBBES
No! We'll have all those Guards on us!
Hobbes hits the barrel of the gun which falls and makes a noise. POV change to Waters, still
standing there thinking. His head whips around and puts his hand on the handgun on his belt.
He looks around for a second, then relaxes.
WATERS
Just birds....nerves.
He turns and walks back toward the shack. Pull back to reveal Hobbes et al retreating back
off camera.
FADE OUT
ACT THREE
EXT. ROAD -- DAY
The rain has let up a bit, but is still falling. We see a beat up passenger car go by, and then
Pinocchio's familiar vehicle go by as well.
PINOCCHIO (V.O.)
This is a mistake...
CUT TO:
INT. PINOCCHIO'S CAR -- DAY
Pinocchio is driving with Hobbes in front, and Florence and Dexter in back.
HOBBES
This guy has my picture. This "prophet" or whatever he is obviously comes from
outside. Maybe he has some kind of message, or some strategy for defeating Santiago.
PINOCCHIO
Or maybe this is all just a giant setup.
HOBBES
You always see the worst in things, don't you?
PINOCCHIO
After a while in this place, kid, you become a realist. (He glances at Hobbes) You seem
to be taking longer than the rest of us, though.
Florence taps Pinocchio's arm and points.
PINOCCHIO
Yeah, I see it. Get ready Hobbes, you're about to meet your new people.
CUT TO:
EXT. CAMP -- DAY
The two cars pull into a large encampment, which really seems to be a small town. About twenty
small houses are set around a grassy center which appears to be a "park" of sorts. The homes are
all brightly painted and have small fences and even some rose bushes around them. It has a
homey, almost "Thomas Kinkade" feel to it. Matthias stops his car and jumps out.
MATTHIAS (yelling)
I brought him! He's here! Just as the Revelator promised.
Pinocchio stops the car and gets out, with Hobbes, Florence, and Dexter right behind.
PINOCCHIO
Jeez, look at this place. I feel like I'm in Disneyland.
Hobbes looks around transfixed by the scenery.
HOBBES
It seems so out of place for Harsh Realm...what's going on here?
Doors start opening and people come out, walking toward the center where the cars are stopped.
PINOCCHIO
I hope this ain't Night of the Living Dead, Hobbes.
The camera pulls back and up as a crowd starts to form around the trio. Matthias and Gregory
stand by Hobbes, Pinocchio, and Florence. Matthias holds up the picture, waving it.
MATTHIAS
You see? It is just as the Revelator promised! He is here! Here is the One!
The crowd pulls in closer, holding their arms out toward Hobbes, yelling things like "save us!"
and "our savior!" Hobbes, starting to feel smothered, pushes some of them back. Matthias holds
up his hands.
MATTHIAS
Please, friends! Have respect. We must bring him to the Revelator!
A woman walks up, about 30, with long, dark hair wearing a long dress. She looks quite a bit
like INGA FOSSA, although she obviously is not. The crowd quiets down.
LINDSEY
Welcome, Hobbes. I am Lindsey, the head of this encampment.
HOBBES
Er..hi. These are my friends Mike Pinocchio and Florence.
LINDSEY
The Revelator told us about your companions. He is anxious to meet you. Will you
follow?
HOBBES
Sure.
She starts to walk toward one of the homes. The trio starts to follow, but she looks over her
shoulder.
LINDSEY
Just Hobbes right now, please. The Revelator will speak to all of you later.
Pinocchio looks around. He obviously doesn't like it, but has to play along.
PINOCCHIO
Watch out, Hobbes. This is strange. I don't like it.
LINDSEY
Matthias, please bring our other guests out of this rain. Give them some food and hot
drinks.
MATTHIAS
Of course, Lindsey. Please follow me.
Matthias leads Pinocchio and Florence toward another home. Florence looks back to see Lindsey
leading Hobbes into a home several houses down. She looks concerned.
CUT TO:
INT. HALLWAY IN PRISON, SANTIAGO CITY -- DAY
We see Waters standing in a hallway, looking at some kind of report. A door opens close by and
a Republican Guard walks out holding two large, vicious looking dogs on leaches. He nods his
head to Waters as he passes, with Waters returning the nod, looking with just a bit of dismay at
the dogs. The door opens again, and a second Guard comes out holding a piece of paper, which
he gives to Waters. Waters looks at it, nods, and then exits off camera.
CUT TO:
INT. SANTIAGO'S OFFICE -- DAY
GENERAL SANTIAGO is sitting in a chair at the large table in the center of the office, with
Inga pacing behind him. Santiago wearing glasses and looking at some papers. A buzzer goes
off.
SANTIAGO
Enter!
The camera wheels around to the door, which opens and Waters enters. He walks up to Santiago
and salutes.
SANTIAGO
Good afternoon, Major.
WATERS
Good afternoon, sir. I have the information from the prisoner.
SANTIAGO
The dogs worked then. I told you, Major, pain and fear are the best ways to make
men do what you want. What did you learn?
WATERS
Eh...well sir, as best we can tell, he comes from a small farming community just
outside of the Pittsburgh Encampment.
SANTIAGO
One of those sordid New Frontier settlements?
WATERS
Yes, sir. He says that some kind of person came down out of the sky and preached
to them concerning Hobbes and his being "the One."
INGA (walking over)
More of your work, General?
Santiago shoots a withering glance at Inga.
SANTIAGO
Certainly not. Although, religion being for the weak, it could be a possible way to
deal with others in the future. (To Waters) Do you have the location of this settlement?
WATERS
I think we can find it without any problems, sir.
SANTIAGO
Good. Go out there, Major, and find this "prophet" or whatever he is. Bring him alive
here. Burn the town and scatter or execute the population. We can't have dissent in
areas that will soon be under our control.
WATERS
Yes sir. What if Hobbes and his band are there?
SANTIAGO
Shoot them. We don't want any mistakes like that trial to happen again.
WATERS (unconvinced)
Yes sir.
He salutes and exits. Close up on Inga, watching him.
INGA (when Waters exits)
Do you think it's wise to shoot Hobbes?
SANTIAGO (looking down at his work)
I should have done that long ago, Inga. He's been a thorn in my side. And Michael
Pinocchio has been even worse.
INGA
I don't know. Something about this bothers me. Isn't the portal closed? How
could anyone get in?
Santiago's looks up and his eyes narrow, as if he hadn't though of this before. (hold a beat)
CUT TO:
INT. HOUSE, FARMING COMMUNITY -- DAY
Lindsey and Hobbes walk through a well ordered kitchen toward a set of doors.
LINDSEY
He's in here.
She opens the doors to reveal a small room with a fireplace, wood furniture, and an man in a
burlap cloak sitting by the fire.
LINDSEY
My lord? They've brought him. Hobbes is here.
The man doesn't turn away from the fire.
REVELATOR
Thank you, Lindsey. Please leave us.
LINDSEY
Yes, my lord.
She exits and closes the door, leaving Hobbes alone with the Revelator.
HOBBES
Alright, what is this all about?
The Revelator still does not turn to face Hobbes.
REVELATOR
It's about salvation, my friend.
HOBBES
Don't give me that religious crap. You came in here, and you have my ID picture
so you must have been sent. Who sent you in here?
The Revelator stands and turns, looking as he did from the teaser, but only with a blindfold over
his eyes.
HOBBES
You can't see?
REVELATOR
There are ways to see without eyes, Tom.
HOBBES
So are you going to tell me what's going on?
REVELATOR
You know what is going on. You're the One. You are the promised savior of
Harsh Realm.
HOBBES
Savior? I haven't been able to do anything since I arrived here. I haven't been able
to kill Santiago, which is the only salvation this place will ever see.
REVELATOR
"The patient in spirit is better than the proud." Your time will come, Tom.
HOBBES
I said cut the religious bull!
REVELATOR
You're not a religious man? In the real world?
HOBBES
I went to church, if that's what you mean.
REVELATOR
But you believe? Do you believe in God, Tom?
HOBBES
What does that matter here? Look, either I get some answers, or I leave.
REVELATOR
That is the answer! Tom, there is no "God" here. There's not even an idea of an
afterlife among these people. They are all virtual -- they only exist due to a
machine! Don't you see? *You* can be God to them!
HOBBES
I don't want to be God! I just want to end this stupid thing and get home to my fiancee!
REVELATOR
But that is exactly what Santiago is trying to do. Leader worship. He wants to be
God, or the closest thing to God one can be here.
Hobbes looks down at the ground, confused. Then he looks back up at the Revelator.
HOBBES
Who are you? You came from outside, right? How? The portal is closed down.
The Revelator chuckles.
REVELATOR
True, but there are things about this game that not even Santiago can control.
He turns and sits down by the fire again. He points to a chair for Hobbes.
REVELATOR
My name is Patrick North. United States Army, Catholic Chaplain.
HOBBES (sitting)
I should have known. How did you get in?
REVELATOR
The creators of the game were able to write a small bit of code, a "virus" if you will,
that existed just long enough to allow me passage in before Santiago's firewall found
and deleted the entry program. Now I am trapped here just like the rest of you, until
the mission is complete.
HOBBES
Why are you blind? Were you blind in the real world?
REVELATOR
No, but like your friend Florence, I have powers here that were given to me in the
encoding of my body. And, like Florence, I lost something to gain other powers. I can
heal and "see" the code of the game, so I can "see" you, although you wouldn't understand
how I see.
HOBBES
And what's your angle?
REVELATOR
They sent me in to start a religion of the "One." Get people mobilized and believing
in some kind of salvation.
HOBBES
And then what?
REVELATOR
Help you end the game, so we can all go home. I think I sent out my people too soon.
I don't think you're ready to...
He cuts off, moving his head side to side.
HOBBES
What is it?
REVELATOR
Oh God. It's Santiago! He's sending an army here!
He faces Hobbes.
REVELATOR
They're coming.
FADE OUT
ACT FOUR
INT. HOUSE IN SETTLEMENT - DAY
We see Pinocchio and Florence sitting in a kitchen drinking something that is steaming in mugs.
Lindsey is sitting next to them, also with a mug.
PINOCCHIO
So why does this place look like a Disney movie?
LINDSEY
What? What's a "Disney movie?"
Pinocchio sighs.
PINOCCHIO
Never mind. Why is it painted so brightly?
LINDSEY
The Revelator said that we should have pride in our homes if we want to have pride in
the world. When the Savior comes, he would lead us to make the world perfect, so
we must start here.
PINOCCHIO
Figures. This place is just one giant cartoon anyway.
LINDSEY
Why are you so bitter? You are a companion of the savior.
PINOCCHIO
No offense, lady, but Hobbes isn't qualified for that kind of job.
LINDSEY
Why do you say that?
PINOCCHIO
He doesn't have an edge. He's too soft.
LINDSEY
"Blessed are the meek, for they --"
PINOCCHIO (interrupting)
"For they shall inherit the earth." I know, lady. I read the Bible.
LINDSEY
The Bible?
PINOCCHIO
Oh, never mind....
As he says this, he hears boots outside the door. The door opens and Hobbes walks in, with the
Revelator right behind.
PINOCCHIO
Speak of the devil. What's up partner?
HOBBES
Santiago's sending an army here. They'll be here any second.
PINOCCHIO
Oh great...I told you about this.
He stands.
PINOCCHIO
Let's go!
HOBBES
We won't make it. They'd stop us on the road out.
PINOCCHIO
I'm not going back to Santiago City then. Not alive anyway.
He holds up his rifle and puts a magazine in it.
REVELATOR
You can't fight your way out.
PINOCCHIO
Who's this, the flying prophet?
REVELATOR
North, U.S. Army Chaplain.
PINOCCHIO
Figures...
HOBBES
Listen, he has a plan. This town has weapons.
PINOCCHIO
Weapons? Here in this commune?
REVELATOR
We believe in peace, but there is a time to defend one's home. (To Lindsey) Lindsey,
get the weapons and have the people stay in their homes. Hobbes and I will meet our
guests.
PINOCCHIO (to Hobbes)
Are you crazy? You're gonna stand out there while Santiago's Guards come right down
on you?
HOBBES
Not quite. You'll see.
Pinocchio shakes his head.
CUT TO:
EXT. CENTER OF TOWN -- DAY
Hobbes and the Revelator come out of the house and walk to the center of the town. We hear
humvees in the distance, getting closer.
REVELATOR
Trust me Tom, this will work.
HOBBES
I hope so...a lot of lives may be lost here if you're wrong.
They look down the road as a series of humvees enter the town. Behind them is a jeep flying
the crossed swords of Santiago City, with Waters and Bryson in it. The humvees circle the town
and Guards get out, about fifty of them in all. Waters and Bryson come up to Hobbes and the
Revelator.
WATERS
Well, Hobbes, I didn't really expect to find you here. Pleasant surprise though.
HOBBES
Wish I could say the same, Waters.
WATERS (chuckling)
Keep it up Hobbes. It'll only make things worse for you. (Looking at the Revelator)
Who's your new friend here? Get tired of hanging with Mike? This guy dresses better,
I'll say.
REVELATOR
North, U.S. Army Catholic Chaplain.
Waters looks a bit surprised, but recovers with a smirk.
WATERS
Well, "Father," you've stepped way outside of the Vatican's boundaries now.
REVELATOR
Actually, Major, you and your men have walked into a trap.
The Revelator raises his hand, and from the surrounding homes we hear gunfire erupt on the
Guards, several of whom fall down to the ground dead and digitize out. The remaining ones
hit the ground themselves and fire back into the homes. Waters looks around with alarm.
WATERS
You! You did this!
He takes his handgun from his belt and points it at the Revelator, about to fire. Hobbes
jumps him and gets him on the ground, wrenching at the gun. The Revelator grabs Bryson
and struggles with him. Hobbes gives Waters an elbow to the temple, and Waters goes limp,
unconscious. Hobbes stands and pulls the Revelator and Bryson apart, and after a short struggle
Hobbes also knocks Bryson out.
HOBBES
Get down! C'mon!
They cross over to the house out of which they came. Two guards are shooting at the windows.
Suddenly there is a spray of machine gun fire from the door, and the two guards writhe and
digitize out. Pinocchio and Florence run out with Lindsey behind them.
PINOCCHIO
Hobbes! We have to get to the car!
HOBBES
Wait, North has to take care of this.
PINOCCHIO
What's he gonna do?
HOBBES
Watch!
North turns toward the fight and removes his blindfold. The scars where his eyes should be are
glowing.
REVELATOR
"Thou art dust, and to dust you shall return!"
He holds up his hands and light comes out of them. The Guards look over in wonder as the light
gets stronger, then flies out of the Revelator directly at the guards. It hits them like a laser,
causing them to twitch and digitize out. Within a few seconds, all the Guards are gone. The
light fades, and the Revelator stands there, panting, but back to normal otherwise.
PINOCCHIO
I'll be damned...
Lindsey runs over to the Revelator, grabbing at him.
LINDSEY
My lord, are you alright?
REVELATOR (still breathing hard)
Yes, child, just tired.
LINDSEY
We need to get him indoors --
She is cut off by the sound of a gun firing from behind. POV change where Waters and Bryson
are laying. Bryson is on one knee with a handgun in his hand, obviously he is the one who took
the shot, although it went wild. Pinocchio looks over and quickly fires at him, and Bryson falls
and digitizes out. Pinocchio walks over to see Waters getting up, looking around at the town and
seeing no men.
WATERS
Where are my men?
PINOCCHIO
The guy in the robe fried them, Mel. Now it's your turn.
He points his rifle at Waters, ready to shoot.
HOBBES (off camera)
Pinocchio! No!
He runs up.
PINOCCHIO
What do you mean, "no?" This is our chance.
HOBBES
No, let him go back and tell Santiago what happened. It'll be worse for him that way.
WATERS
What happened? How did he do it?
PINOCCHIO
Just get out of here, Waters.
Waters stands up, looks around to be sure that none of his men are left, then runs to the jeep,
starts it, and drives away.
PINOCCHIO
That was a mistake, Hobbes.
HOBBES
Like I said, Santiago will have his hide for this.
They go back to the group that is standing around the Revelator.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SETTLEMENT -- DAY
The morning after the attack finds the people loading the humvees with their possessions. The
Revelator, Lindsey, and Matthias are standing next to Pinocchio's car talking to the trio. The
sun is brightly shining now.
HOBBES
I'm sorry that we weren't able to save James.
REVELATOR
There was nothing we could do for him, I'm afraid. He was brave.
HOBBES
Where will you go with your people?
REVELATOR
Further west. Santiago will be back soon with a bigger force. Last night nearly killed
me. I don't think I could do that to a larger group.
PINOCCHIO
It was amazing, whatever it was.
LINDSEY
You won't come with us then?
HOBBES
No, not yet. I have to figure this out...
REVELATOR
But Tom, do you now believe?
HOBBES
I...I'm not sure, yet. I just don't know.
REVELATOR
I understand. Belief is hard, but you will see eventually. Here take this.
He holds out his hand, and gives Hobbes a rosary.
HOBBES
Eh..I'm not Catholic...
REVELATOR (chuckling)
That's alright. When you are ready, hold that and think of me, and I'll be able to find
you again.
PINOCCHIO
Let's get going, Hobbes.
REVELATOR
Goodbye for now. I think we'll meet again.
HOBBES
I think so too.
MATTHIAS
Come back soon, Tom. We believe in you, even if you doubt yourself.
LINDSEY
Remember, you are the One to save us. You saw the power of the Revelator. How
can he be wrong?
Hobbes looks at his feet, mumbling and shaking his head.
PINOCCHIO
He's too modest to believe all this.
REVELATOR
Things have ways of changing. Farewell friends!
They all shake hands. Even Pinocchio shakes the Revelator's hand. Florence hugs him.
REVELATOR (quietly to Florence)
Goodbye, daughter. Keep him well. He's the best hope for this place.
She nods, smiles, then gets in the car. Pinocchio notices that Hobbes is hesitating a moment.
PINOCCHIO
Changing your mind, pal?
Hobbes smiles and shakes his head.
HOBBES
Not until you believe, "pal."
They both chuckle and get in the car. The camera pulls up and back and Pinocchio starts the car
and drives out of the town that is being packed up by the residents.
FADE OUT
THE END.