ABOVE THE DEAD .com
Season 4, Episode 3 (67 pages)
"Fort Vancouver"
INTRO
BLACK...
FADE IN:
EXT. MT. HOOD TREE HOUSE – DAY (very snowy)
POV of that season 1 tree house, deserted and snow covered. It's quiet, other than the sound of the falling snow. POV begins traveling down below, around the yard and heavily damaged cabin, along with the blown-up Hummer…
POV makes its way toward the lake, eventually coming to the graves of Fish and all the others…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
Is it weird that I keep coming back here, over the last
six months…since my grandfather's death? Is it strange
that I keep reliving my dad's death, to ease the pain of
Grandpa? Perhaps I'm simply trying to remember how
I even survived all of that pain…
Dissolve to the compound with shots of people like Zane, Leo, Blake, Sage, Jo, GW, Hunter, Mason, Jaelyn, Virgil, Jennifer, Porter, Scout, Chasin, Dakota, Cleo, Eli, and others all in places/moments by themselves, weeping over the recent tragic events, and their loved ones who have been lost…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
I even feel selfish at times, knowing how all the others
I love, have been through the same pain…pain that has
cast a permanent dark cloud over our spirits…spirits
that were so full of hope, before the events that will
forever be known as the Red Christmas…
Silence up until the emotional shots come to an end…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
Most of us mourned nonstop through the New Year…
Leo, Zane, Mason, and others all searching through the woods…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
While some of us worked around the clock…to bring
Jordan to justice…
Leo, Zane, and the others are in the garage, unloading, and eyeing each other over the secret of finding Jordan…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
She was never found, and I'd like to believe it was Dad
and Grandpa…who got to her first…
Zane and Leo looking over the abandoned prison…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
Once they gave up on her, it was all about Grover…or
Anthony…
Zane, Leo, GW, and others are in a boat, traveling the ocean line…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
Zane is the one I look to see my father in, as well as
my grandfather, yet he, Leo, and others all risked
their lives traveling by boat, to Seattle...
Zane looking over the amazing setup at the Seattle racetracks…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
Anthony had indeed been there…
The Canadian leaders showing damage to the gate, to Leo and Zane…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
And in fact, it was said he attacked the place, in the
hope of killing his own grandfather, until he realized
he was already dead…
Leo, Zane, and his people all shaking hands with the Seattle leaders, as they prepare to leave…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
And that Leo had left the Canada group in charge,
who were happy to make peace with the leftover
army who supported Leo…
Multiple shots of Leo, Zane, GW, and the team searching the beach towns on their way back to Oregon…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
But Anthony knew his father would return, and took
his army away, in which to this day their location still
remains a mystery.
Stix leading Kemp, Lester, Ned, Floyd, Deon, and the rest of their people through the gates of Glenwood…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
With Zane in Seattle, and Stix settling in as the new
leader of Glenwood, the convicts, loggers, and rest
of their people were eager to bring it back to life.
Hunter, April, Leo, and others shaking hands with Stix, Kemp, Harris, Nikki, Shawn, Marshall, and others…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
Those of them who fought during the Red Christmas
were heavily praised, as were those from Nike World…
Harris driving with her sister and father, as a convoy of their people follow behind, while driving away from the compound…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
Who were also anxious to follow their Queen home,
and begin rebuilding.
Damon walking into a room at the SSH, with a huge smile, as Divit follows Doc into the room across from Damon, showing him the amazing view of the pier and ocean…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
Doc even took in some of the convicts at the SSH, who
have earned the right to be known as something other
than just a convict.
A bus leaving the compound…
Same bus (full of compounders) as it pulls into Glenwood…
Same bus as it pulls into Nike World…
A woman and her child (compounders) following Kemp into a cabin at Glenwood, as the woman hugs and kisses Kemp…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
Believe it or not, a handful of compounders gave up their
homes over the first half of the year, to join either
Glenwood or Nike World. Some for love and relationships…
A husband stands with his child, watching mom hug her parents, before climbing onto a school bus…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
While others may just have wanted to get out from
under that dark cloud.
Convicts at Nike World gym, shaking hands with other players, after a game had ended, as POV pans by them and to an old copy of the monthly forester, pinned to the wall, with a pic of the Spring League Champs…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
Nike World hosted sporting events, but the compounders
did not organize the "annual" Spring Hoop League, as
they did the year before…
Sage showing Damon an area of the SSH, with a view of the playing field, where they glance at a photo of the PA1 Sand Series Champs, with Joshua smiling and celebrating…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
Nor a Fourth of July Classic…in which one of last
year's champs is no longer with us.
POV of the empty whiffle ball field at the SSH…
POV of the great weather, but empty baseball field at the compound, that has been unkept…
POV of the compound softball fields, just as empty and unkept…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
We keep saying, for Grandpa, that the holidays will be
celebrated, but as of mid-August, that part of the old
world in which we have worked so hard to keep a part
of this new one, has not been with us.
Samantha (12.5) holding hands with little Bo (8), guiding him down the steep staircase to the garage, where Leo and Zane are unloading their Hummer…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
Zane and Leo seem to have closure with Jordan, but
until they find Anthony, I'm not sure if the old world
will ever again be a part of this one.
LEO
Samantha, when are you going to stop growing?
You too, Bo? It's making Zane feel old.
Samantha and Bo smiling as they reach the bottom.
ZANE
What really bothers him is that when I feel old, he
feels like a dinosaur.
PEPSI
(OS)
Then why don't the two of you act your age and
spend a day or two rocking in a chair, or something.
Samantha turns with a smile at the sight of a very pregnant Pepsi, standing at the top of the stairs, too pregnant to climb them.
ZANE
Speak for yourself, and do not dare come down
those steps!
LEO
Then get your ass up there and give that beautiful
woman a kiss!
PEPSI
What he said!
Zane pats Samantha on the head, and quickly gives Bo a playful punch to the gut, making him laugh, as Leo moves in and does the same, while Zane climbs the steps and gives Pepsi her kiss, before grabbing her belly, with a smile back down at his dad…
ZANE
Hope you're ready to be a grandfather, old man; this
kid is a week or two from keeping mommy up all night.
PEPSI
(laughing)
You married the right woman, because I sleep when
my baby does. Nothing beats motherhood.
Zane giving her another kiss, as his radio goes off.
VOICE
(over radio)
Relay six east reports our scout team believes Grover
has taken up residence at Fort Vancouver.
Zane stares at Leo, who comes and grabs the radio…
LEO
(into radio)
Grover is dead. The person we're looking for is my
son, Anthony. (handing radio back to Zane)
VOICE
(over radio)
Yes, sir.
ZANE
(into radio)
There has been no previous sign of him there.
LEO
It's been months since we sent a team over that way.
He could have dodged our scouts by laying low, hoping
we'd never return.
Zane looking at Leo while thinking, before back to the radio…
ZANE
(into radio)
How sure was Baxter?
VOICE
(over radio)
Sure enough to be rushing your way as we speak.
Zane again looking at his father…
ZANE
(into radio)
Rodger that…
Zane now staring at Pepsi, who gives him an understanding smile.
PEPSI
Go…I hope this is it.
Zane now looks at Leo, as they head back for the hummer, climbing in and driving out of the garage, with a wave at them all.
Pepsi smiles at Samantha, who follows her out of the garage, and into a room of the Baker complex. They walk over to a sliding door, that leads them out onto a large balcony, overlooking the hummer as it drives over onto Baker Lane (lots of groups of people in the fields), and disappearing through the long corridor, leading to the compound gates.
Pepsi makes herself comfortable while sitting down onto a swinging bench, as Samantha sits down with her. Bo walks over to the railing, watching the hummer driving off into the corridor…
SAMANTHA
Do you think they'll finally find him?
PEPSI
He's family, and it was important to Grandpa that he
knows it, so I know they will not stop until they do.
SAMANTHA
But…what's going to happen when they do?
Pepsi eyeing Bo, taking notice that he is listening to them.
PEPSI
I don't think it will be easy, but I believe good things
will come from it. The man I knew, even while
portraying his darker side, was a man who cared about
doing the right thing. I didn't meet him, but was told
how compassionate he was to Chance, after he'd been
through complete hell. I know he'll love seeing him again.
SAMANTHA
What about the others? Can they forgive him for Joshua,
his dad, Abino, and the others?
PEPSI
We all have to…as long as he's medicated…
Pepsi looking down at Samantha with a smile…
PEPSI
What about you? How are things in your world? What
kind of things are on Samantha's mind, these days?
SAMANTHA
(with a laugh)
Why do you ask that?
PEPSI
I don't know; you're a few months away from jumping
into your teens. I figured you must be crushing on boys
by now, or fending off the ones that are crushing on you.
Samantha blushing with a smile.
BO
(OS)
Hi, Daddy!
Pepsi and Samantha smiling, as Chasin's head arrives at the railing of the balcony. He smiles back at them while reaching up for his boy, and lifting him up over the railing, and down with him.
CHASIN
(OS)
Thanks, Samantha; you rock girl!
SAMANTHA
Back at you, big cousin.
Samantha smiling up at Pepsi, who smiles back at her…
SAMANTHA
So…
Samantha hesitates before Pepsi finally nudges her…
PEPSI
Spill it…
SAMANTHA
Boys are not crushing on me…at least not the way
the girls are crushing on Eli.
Pepsi smiling with a look downward…
PEPSI
Well, Eli is a bit older.
SAMANTHA
I know, and it's not even that a lot of girls like him.
It's that he seems to like the ones who know how to
fight, like him. I'm just not that great at it.
PEPSI
Again, he's older and so are the girls who are able
to do things you might not have the strength for,
yet, but the age difference between you two will
not seem so distant, once a few more years go by.
Pepsi eyeing her, as she remains silent…
PEPSI
Trust me, you'll catch up. Just let life run its course.
SAMANTHA
I know, it's just…people in my family are fighters,
which is why Eli has fit right in with them, but…
PEPSI
Samantha…you contribute in so many ways. If you
have to settle for being an average fighter, then boo-
facking-hoo! (both giggling) I'd kill for what you have
at your age. I can see why this family treats you like
some kind of God. You are so much like your
grandfather…it's what gives hope to everyone here…
Samantha gives her biggest smile yet, as POV floats away from them, over the compound, where Eli, Blake, and the other Rough Riders, along with tons of other kids/teens, are being trained to fight, with Harris, Nikki, and their father Shawn, all training them…
Harris is working one-on-one with Renee, who both stop for a moment to laugh, at the sight of Todd standing off to the side of another group (Rich, DJ, Marlana, GW, Griffey, Trisha, Ashley, Coke, Chance, Russel, Vara, Jenna, and others), with Sandy. He's mimicking some of the moves they are demonstrating…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
One thing that hasn't changed at the compound, has
been the training. In fact, it has doubled. All kids and
members, who can, are trained with everything that
the Queen of Nike and her family can train them with.
They are constantly here training both kids and adults…
POV of Harris, Nikki, and Shawn at Glenwood, training kids/adults…
POV Harris, Nikki, and Shawn at the SSH, on the beach, training the cousins…
POV Harris, Nikki, and Shawn at the beach camp, training kids/adults…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
As well as Glenwood, the SSH, and even the beach
camp. We don't ever want to relieve another night
like the Red Christmas…
POV comes back to the compound, where Harris and her family continue working with different groups. POV goes into birds-eye view of them, as it crosses the Baker field and over the trees/brush, until coming to the compound wall, where a few guards are along the catwalk, or in the tree houses, including the newly built one, where Joshua was killed…
POV goes down to the gates, which are ajar. Zane's hummer is there, where he stands with Leo, Mason, and Hunter…
HARRIS
(over radio)
A lot of rushing off toward the gates. Anything I
should be concerned about?
ZANE
(into radio)
Just a hot lead, on Anthony. Anxiously awaiting the
scouting team for a better report. You just keep
teaching our kids how to survive, and stay strong
yourself, because I am going to finally take you one
of these days!
Cut to Harris (just having took a drink of water), smiling, as she walks away from a bunch of young kids who are practicing their moves. Chasin is there with Bo, helping the kids (August, Jax, Maddox, Blaze, Kat, and others). Harris approaches Renee, who is working with Marlana and GW.
HARRIS
(into radio)
You were either a comedian, or a dreamer in your
old life.
ZANE
(over radio)
Dreams come true baby, so let's go with the latter.
Harris smiling again as she puts down radio, and begins working with Renee again, as Marlana and GW go to the other kids…
Cut back to Zane and them, (Porter arriving on a motorcycle), as they stand around talking, but instantly go quiet, as noise comes from behind them, in the brush, as the Guardian comes out of nowhere, spooking the hell out of them!
ZANE
Jesus! You're supposed to do that to unexpected
guests. Not us!
A few chuckles…
GUARDIAN
What are we all doing out here?
She turns as they all watch another biker arrive from the corridor, with someone on back. The person on the back pulls off her helmet, revealing herself as Rachel. The driver pulls off his helmet, revealing himself as Gunner, all healed from his Christmas near-death experience…
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BAKER COMPLEX – DAY
Samantha is now walking through the complex with Scout, who holds a drink.
SCOUT
I say just go for it. It's a new world, maybe you don't
have to play the field to find love anymore.
Taking a drink.
SAMANTHA
Pepsi said I should not be in such a rush, and that
he'll see me as his own age, in time.
SCOUT
(nodding/shrugging)
She could be right, and the wiser one at the moment.
(raising drink) I'm currently a little emotionally
influenced… Okay dear, I gotta' run. You should get
back to your training, young lady.
Scout taking another drink as she enters the garage, and goes for a bike, putting on her helmet, with a look at Samantha, as she climbs on the bike…
SCOUT
I'm okay to ride…but okay to give a twelve-year-old
advice on love?
Scout shrugging, and then riding up out of the garage, speeding off toward the corridor…
SAMANTHA
(voiceover)
I worry about Scout…She seems to drink a lot…
ever since…
Dissolve to a little while later, at the compound gates (April, Wyatt, Scout, Solis, Dakota, Catherine, Rich, and Jaelyn all present) as they anxiously await a pair of trucks, full of men, which stops there at the gates. Baxter and Conner jump out of the back, along with Gia and some other soldiers. Mayday comes from the driver's side of one of the trucks…
BAXTER
I was almost positive I saw him. So, we followed someone
who left the Fort, and made their way to the campus of
Clark College. It's barricaded. Not just like the leftover
army fencing we saw while scouting it last year, but with
major renovations. I can't tell you with absolute certainty,
but I'm banking on it being your brother.
ZANE
They could be gardening at the Fort, and bunking
at the campus.
HUNTER
We've only scouted the campus that once, without any
indication of survivors, but never made it inside. The dead
were everywhere.
LEO
If Anthony cleared them, and upgraded the perimeter,
it'd be very doable living conditions.
Leo staring right at Zane…
ZANE
Let's put a team together, and pay a visit to Fort Vancouver…
DISSOLVE TO:
THEME TUNE/CREDITS
Shots of all the chaos in the city, on day 1 of the "zombie" apocalypse, followed by bumper-to-bumper traffic on the highways, and tons of angry/nervous people honking or trying to pull off the road. Shot of Mt. Hood, followed by shots of a huge tree house overlooking a lake, which dissolves into the Columbia River, and traveling down it, through a huge forest fire, before reaching the Bonneville Dam. POV continues down the river, past the Glen Jackson bridge, flowing by tons of houseboats where the dead are falling into the river, chasing after whoever is drifting by…
POV of the Willamette River as it goes under the St. Johns bridge, and up into the hills of Portland. It travels over them, into the Beaverton area, crossing over the top of the Nike World Headquarters, and keeps traveling over farmlands, and into the coast range, finding the Glenwood Market, and a large camp with log walls, across the creek and behind the store…
POV speeds over the Tillamook Forest, Highway 26, and a bunch of other lands, before coming to the Columbia River, traveling west, under the Megler bridge, and into the ocean. It continues along the shoreline, past Astoria, the Haystack Rock of Cannon Beach, coming to a pair of jetties, and following through the channel between them. POV continues up into the nearby hills, finding a large camp, protected by a large log wall…
POV travels back down to the shoreline, and over a huge hotel, with a shot of the Twin Rocks in the ocean. POV travels by the bay of Tillamook, and along Highway 6, back into the coast range, until leaving the road, back into the Tillamook Forest, until coming to a very large compound, hidden away by all the brush and mountain-side, as opening credits roll…
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK
EXT. CLARK COLLEGE CAMPUS – DAY
Birds-eye POV of the Clark College campus, with people and cars (mostly students) going about their everyday business, although not as many people as a normal pre-apocalyptic day. There is a flashing police car just leaving the POV…
POV begins panning downward toward a couple of female students (Jessica, Haylee), walking the campus sidewalk, in-between all the different school facilities and a large field. They're giggling at something in front of them, as a shirtless guy jogs by them, with a smile. They look back at him…
HAYLEE
No way that guy's a student.
JESSICA
He probably lives in one of those houses across from
the campus. Probably even by design, so he can stalk
all the college girls, while he gets older and older.
HAYLEE
He can stalk me until the day I graduate! (shouting back
at him) I work in the library every day after class!
Jessica humiliated as he glances back at them, as Haylee begins giggling…
HAYLEE
Hell, if he lives up on the hill in one of those million-
dollar homes, he can marry me and stalk college girls
the rest of his life!
Both girls laughing, as Jessica looks back at him one more time, taking notice of a flashing police car speeding down the far busy road, in the background…
JESSICA
What's up with all the cops, today?
HAYLEE
I know, Five-O been working overtime all day!
Jessica looking down at her phone…
HAYLEE
I woke up to the damn sound of it, today.
Jessica still looking at her phone as they continue to walk the campus sidewalk, while Haylee takes notice of yet another speeding cop car, on the other side of the campus, going in different direction as the other one…
JESSICA
(still looking at phone)
What the…
Jessica shows her phone to Haylee. Their POV of a Facebook post, as Haylee reads it out loud.
HAYLEE/FB POST
Some tweaker just ATE my neighbor's dog! He then went
after them! He just kept banging up against their door,
until giving up and going back to the dog! He's still eating
it as I type this! And 911 is NOT answering!
The girls both look at each other…
HAYLEE
Friend of yours?
JESSICA
Barely knew her. Just went to grade school together.
They notice a video now posted to the comments, by the same poster. Jessica quickly pushes play. They both watch it, of a "tweaker" (huff) kneeled down in someone's yard, eating a large dog, but suddenly taking notice of the person filming, and now rising to go after her. She begins screaming and running back inside of her house, slamming the door. She films the "tweaker" through her door window, as it continues toward the door.
GIRL IN VIDEO
Oh my God; I don't know what to do!
The video ends, as a new comment appears below it, from same poster.
COMMENT
He's still there, at my door! He's too high to break
through it! Why the hell won't 911 answer?!
A new comment now appears, from same poster.
COMMENT
If you see this and know where I live, PLEASE come
and bring a GUN!
HAYLEE
If this is real, then why can't she reach 911?
JESSICA
Should we…should we call them?
Haylee looks at her, and then grabs her phone, dialing 911, as they both stand there listening to it just ring and ring, when suddenly, they are scared shitless while quickly grabbed from behind!
STUDENT (Bryson)
Where are you guys going? Didn't you hear? All
classes have been suspended.
HAYLEE
Because of the so-called pandemic, or the fact 911
responders have gone AWOL?
Jessica scrolling down her phone.
BRYSON
911 doesn't work?
JESSICA
Here's another one. (Jessica reading post) I just got
rear-ended by a cop, who just kept going.
Jessica scrolling more.
JESSICA
Oh my God, what is going on out there?! Another
one! (Jess showing them while also reading it) A man
just got shot for trying to steal someone's car, and
CAME BACK TO LIFE! He began EATING some little kid
right there in the parking lot! (Jess looking at them) Is
this really happening?
They all watch as another cop car goes speeding down one of the roads in the far background…
HAYLEE
What exactly is happening?
Now a shotgun can be heard firing multiple times in the far background.
BRYSON
Let's figure that out after we get inside.
JESSICA
It looks like people are going to the library.
They all begin quickly walking toward the nearby facility in front of them.
BRYSON
Let's go wait this out in there.
HAYLEE
Maybe we should go to the cafeteria. We might have
to wait this out overnight.
Dissolve to them being the last ones let into the library, with doors locked behind them. They look around at all the other frightened students and faculty. Some of them are crying, and most of them are using or trying to use their phones…
Some people begin to gather in front of a tv, to see the news. A few more people arrive, and are let in, as Jessica begins trying to call someone on her phone. She looks worried without an answer, and waits for voicemail…
JESSICA
(speaking into phone, with emotion)
Dad? Dad, please call me. Please call me as soon as you
get this. I'm at the school library… (silent a moment) I
love you, Dad.
Dissolve to hours later, while some watch the news, some look out the windows, some look at their phones, and some help barricade the doors. They all look tired, and twice as worried/scared…
Jessica looks at her phone with tears…
JESSICA
(emotional)
Why isn't he calling me? (looking at Haylee) He must
be dead.
HAYLEE
(shaking head)
No.
JESSICA
There's no other explanation.
Bryson and Haylee at a loss for words, with Jessica becoming more emotional, before they all flinch at the sound of more gunfire, closer than before…
Dissolve to a little later, with even more fear and exhaustion among the library full of students/faculty, and a tv that now only plays static…
Jessica's eyes are tear-dried, as she stares down at her phone, wishing it to ring. Bryson and Haylee sit close-by, as Bryson keeps his eyes on the window…
JESSICA
I hope this is the end… I don't want to live a life never
knowing what happened to him. He was such a strong
man, a leader. (getting emotional again) I don't even
want to know what kind of thing it took to stop a man
like him, from getting to me…
MALE STUDENT (ACE)
Would you cry me a God damn river, already! Over
there whining about your old man while the rest of
us have lost entire families!
BRYSON
Hey man!
HAYLEE
You need to shut your mouth, is all you need to do!
BRYSON
We're all going through this together.
ACE
That's my point! She needs to stop acting like a
little bitch who believes this is all about her.
Bryson steps up to Ace, as they are about to begin fighting.
RANDOM FEMALE STUDENT
Someone's out there!
Everyone stops and goes to the window, looking out at someone staggering his way through the open field, obviously a huff…
DIFFERENT FEMALE
It's one of the infected!
RANDOM MALE STUDENT
Not infected, dead!
ACE
He can't be actually dead.
ANOTHER GIRL
This can't be happening!
ANOTHER RADOM MALE
Infected and dead? Maybe you get the virus and this
is what happens after you die from it?
The huff doesn't see any of them, and appears to be passing them by, until Ace suddenly knocks on the window, to the shock of most of the others.
BRYSON/OTHER GUY
What the hell are you doing?!
ACE
(aggressively)
We need to know what we're dealing with.
BRYSON
What if more come?
RANDOM GIRL
You might have just killed us all!
Ace rolls his eyes and knocks again, as the huff keeps coming toward them. They all watch with wild curiosity and fear, as it comes right at their window. A few screams/cries as it begins banging on the window. Ace goes right to window and stares back at the dead man, curiously taking in what he can from him…
RANDOM GUY
It can see us, but…
ACE
Has no idea how to use the door, or even breakthrough.
RANDOM GIRL
I've seen a lot of posts about them breaking through
peoples windows.
ACE
These are too strong. He's dead all right. He can't think.
Everyone watching Ace walk over to the door, but then looking around for some kind of weapon. He begins looking around, before giving up and filling his schoolbag with as many books as he can hold in there…
He goes to the door, opens, and steps outside.
ACE
Hey dumbass, over here.
The huff moves from the window and heads toward Ace, who waits for the right moment, before using his bag to drill the huff, who goes down to the ground. It rises back up, as Ace studies its every move. He hits him even harder, again knocking him down. Ace goes back inside, closing but not locking the door…
He and everyone else watches as the huff rises and comes to the door, banging against it, but unable to simply open it, as Ace smiles back at the others.
ACE
He's dead, all right!
RANDOM GUY
Could you tell what killed him? Was he shot or anything?
ACE
(shaking head)
Looks like a bum.
RANDOM FEMALE
So, maybe the virus killed him?
Bryson looking Ace up and down.
BRYSON
So, then you might have just infected yourself.
RANDOM FEMALE
Now we're all going to get it!
Many of the students now looking at Ace like a disease, and quickly moving away from him…
ACE
Then put on a damn mask or something! If it's a
virus then we're all already dead, or immune.
Didn't someone say they saw something on social
media about brains? Having to kill them that way?
RANDOM GUY
Yeah, like that one video of the guy on the freeway
that went viral the other day.
RANDOM GUY
Yeah, they shot him several times before a head-shot
put him down.
Ace opens the door and shoves the huff to the ground. He begins beating the shit out of it with his schoolbag, but leaving his head alone. He then jumps on its legs, crushing them and crippling him…
Ace stands over him, catching his breath, and watching him struggle to rise, or come at him…
ACE
Sure don't seem to feel pain, do ya'? Let me know
if you can feel this.
Ace uses the bag to crush his skull, over and over…
He stands there looking down at it, and then back at the others, who all stare in shock, as Ace drops his bag, steps back inside, closes/locks door, and walks by everyone…
ACE
Yep…I'm beginning to like this new world of ours…
Disturbed looks from the faces of all the others, especially Jessica, as scene dissolves to a little while later, Jessica (and others) trying hard to reach loved ones on their phones. Some can be heard talking to loved ones, begging them to come pick them up, or stay safe…
Suddenly, Bryson takes notice of a pair of large trucks pulling into the campus parking lot, and right up onto the lawn, heading toward the library, with reactions to those who take notice, as students begin piling up at the window to watch.
BRYSON
What the hell is this?
The trucks have men in the back, and tons of boxes/food, and they come to a stop at the library, jumping out of their trucks. A student (Ace) opens the doors and goes outside, as one of the men (Carter) comes right to him.
CARTER
Go back inside; find anyone with a truck or lots of room.
Tell them to follow us over to the Walmart on Fourth Plain.
We're going to grab as much as we possibly can and bring
it back here. Go, go now!
Ace turns and dashes back inside the library.
ACE
Who's got a truck?! These guys need our help, now!
Dissolve to Ace and others helping the men in the trucks, unloading food from the trucks into the library…
Dissolve to a Walmart parking lot, with people everywhere. The store is being raided. POV finds Ace throwing boxes of food into the back of a stuffed truck, with others helping…
Dissolve to those same two trucks that arrived at the campus, along with a bunch more, speeding up a long hill, and returning to the campus. All the vehicles drive into the parking lot, and over the curb onto the lawn, and over to the library…
Dissolve to them almost finished unloading.
ACE
Now what?
CARTER
Now we do it again, and again, and again. I've got
others out doing the same thing. There's no telling
how long we'll be here on our own.
Dissolve to dusk, with all the scared exhausted faces of the others…
Dissolve to night, as most of them are sleeping and using what extra clothing they had, as blankets. Jessica lays there awake, staring at her phone, which is out of service, and low on juice…
She develops a tear while looking away, and right at Ace, who stares back at her with a creepy smile…
Dissolve to morning, and Jessica waking to the sound of everyone in the room becoming excited, before cheering with extreme emotion and relief. Hope lights up her face, as she jumps up to look around, and spots both Bryson and Haylee staring outside. Bryson looks at her with a relieved smile, as she turns to look outside. She can see the far parking lot filling up with military vehicles, and an army jeep speeding across the field, stopping right in front of them all, still cheering and hugging each other…
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
INT. BAKER SITUATION ROOM – EVENING
Close-up of a table-made map of the Vancouver area. POV pans back to Hunter pointing out the mission, to a room full of others, including Leo, Zane, Mason, Chasin, Gunner, Wyatt, Rich, Porter, April, Scout, Solis, Doug, Nikki, Dakota, Cleo, Mayday, Gia, Tanner, Darius, Frost, Sheriff Dave, Samantha, and Bo.
HUNTER
We know the military put up fencing along these areas,
and random spots along here. The rest of the area is
inaccessible much like Nike World. (pointing) The bluff
here would also keep out both the living and the dead.
This entire neighborhood atop and below that hill, right
next to the campus, is inside this perimeter, and would
provide great living conditions, as long as food was being
provided. (pointing) Hence Fort Vancouver, where we
imagine they do their growing, as the army also provided
a perimeter of the surrounding gardens on the outside of
the Fort. We could potentially be dealing with not only a
large group, but one that is organized. All the more reason
to believe Anthony may be behind it, not to mention it's
even possible this location was on his pre-apocalypse radar,
due to all the other secrets and preparations, we know he
had put into motion. (looking over his family members)
He's definitely a Baker…and we need to let him know we
see him as such.
Leo nods at Hunter…
GIA
So, you guys scouted it just the once, but never went
past the perimeter? How sure are we that there isn't
still military inside?
HUNTER
Too many huffs for the scouting team to risk entry, on
both sides of the fencing, leading us to believe it as
vacated, or overran.
MAYDAY
Probably the students and civilians that were originally
held up in there. (sarcasm) God bless the US military…
HUNTER
Anthony may have struggled to stick to his plans there,
much like he did with Nike World, due to said military,
but may have very well returned, either recently, or even
after things fell apart for him with Nike World, once Zane
and Harris took it over. If recently, he may only have the
fifty or so men we know him to have…but if he's had a
community surviving there since the military retreated,
his numbers could be drastically higher.
LEO
He might have even overtaken the military, like he had
planned to do at Nike World.
NIKKI
Which means he'd have plenty of other weapons,
possibly soldiers, at his demand.
ZANE
Exactly.
MAYDAY
But what about all those huffs on the inside?
ZANE
Could have been a decoy to throw off our scouts.
LEO
He knew we'd be checking out the area, at least once.
DAKOTA
Here's the money question. How do we know if he's
still medicating?
HUNTER
We do not…
LEO
But what we do know is that the fifty men he has
leftover from the Seattle army, are all loyal to me.
They would have left him if he was talking about
going against us.
SCOUT
Talking and planning are two different things. He could
be playing them, like he played you for so many years.
Silence fills the room. Samantha looks from Scout to Leo, as do many others…
LEO
Fair question, sister, and I admit only a madman would
go to Seattle and attack Victor with only fifty men, but I
believe he did that out of rage, not madness. He did it
to prove something to us all. He also left them in peace
once he realized I had already dealt with Victor.
APRIL
That was six months ago. We don't know his current
condition.
HUNTER
Hence the extreme caution we're putting into this mission,
and those who go. There are a lot of important people in
this room, as well as the council members at the other
camps, who will make their own decisions on who goes. I
know a lot of you were frustrated with not being a part of
the Seattle mission, (looking right at Scout) and I'm sure
this won't be much different, but these were his rules, just
as well as they are mine.
Scout shaking her head, and heading for the door.
SCOUT
Fuck off, big brother.
Everyone watching Scout leave the room with frustration. POV Samantha shaking her head as Scout slams the door…
Dissolve to Hunter in the new tree house, walking out onto the catwalk, watching a team of hummers, pulling a pair of boats, and leaving the compound…
Dissolve to those hummers pulling into Glenwood…
Dissolve to Zane shaking hands with Stix, Kemp, and Lester, and nodding at the other people/children of the camp, as they gleam at the legend and his team…
Dissolve to the hummers driving down Highway 6, as Nikki stares off to one side of the road, with a radio in hand.
HARRIS
(over radio)
Be safe, little sis. Your "Queen" demands it! (with laugh)
NIKKI
(into radio, with laugh)
I still buy an apocalypse with hungry dead people,
before I buy one with you as a Queen!
Sound of Harris laughing over the radio, as Nikki laughs right back…
Dissolve to Nikki in one of the two boats, speeding the Columbia River, from the Oregon side, and heading downriver. Zane, Leo, Dakota, Cleo, Porter, Baxter, Mayday, Gia, Tanner, Darius, Frost, Stix, and GW (all wearing bulletproof vests) are all on the boats, enjoying the ride, as they go under the Interstate Bridge and begin heading toward a spot on the Vancouver Washington side, even though plenty of huffs are around…
The boats dock, and they all get out to begin killing off some huffs, quickly climbing the bank and looking around. Stix gets a good look and turns back toward the others, shaking his head, as he runs back down the large bank, and onto the boat, as others do the same. They begin going back downriver, as tons of huffs begin spilling over that bank, some of them rolling down it, and into the river, as many more keep coming over the top of it, with a look from the guys on the boats…
Leo shares a look with Zane…
LEO
He might have strategically placed them there…
Zane nodding, as they continue along that side of the river, looking for a place to dock…
ZANE
(into radio)
Mayday, depending on how far we have to go, the
better the west side is sounding to me. Are you sure
this is the better route?
MAYDAY
(over radio)
Like I already told you, docking is easy on the west side,
but downtown Vancouver and the entire I-5 stretch is a
sea of abandoned cars and the dead, popping out of those
cars whenever you think you're finally alone. A few scouts
is one thing, but a group this large would not surprise me if
we suffered casualties and/or were spotted by their scouts.
Zane just shaking his head, not thrilled with their choices, with a look from Leo.
LEO
We've got plenty of gas. We'll find a pair of large vehicles
to get us where we need to be. The Evergreen hills should
be fairly quiet. We'll travel through there.
Dissolve to them docking on the Washington side, on someone's property. A few random huffs are around, and heading their direction. Porter, Baxter, Gia, GW, Dakota, and Cleo begin securing the area of huffs, killing those who are around, while Zane, Leo, Stix, and Mayday are quick to begin looking for vehicles. Nikki, Darius, Tanner, and Frost are securing the area of any possible threats, like other groups or random people with weapons…
As the area appears secure, Nikki and the soldiers Darius, Tanner, and Frost all go back to the boats, grabbing supplies of gas, and racing them over to Zane and Leo, who have located some transportation. All the others begin grabbing whatever other supplies they have from the boats, and tying the boats to shore…
They begin tossing their supplies and weapons into the back of a pair of trucks, where most people climb in the back of, while Porter and Leo get behind the wheel, and a few people in passenger seats…
Leo takes off, driving out of the large driveway and out onto Highway 14, where plenty of huffs are here and there. The people in the back begin aiming at huffs that are close enough, only shooting the ones too close to being in the truck's way, as Leo leads them to an offramp, and into the Evergreen hills…
Dissolve to them slowly/cautiously driving on backroads, seeing random huffs and abandoned vehicles. They come to several huffs, as Leo has to run right over one of them, crunching over the top of it, as Porter just dodges it, but then hits one of his own, also crunching over the top of it. Cleo cheers from the back of the truck.
CLEO
That a baby, Porter! Run those ugly fuckers down!
Porter nailing another one, as Cleo cheers!
Dissolve to both trucks coming to a stop, in the end of a brushy area. They climb out, walk to the end of the brush, and stare out across a huge field with random structures here and there, and a few random huffs roaming the area. Leo is the first one out, then Zane, as all the others follow. Leo looks back at Mayday, who remains back in the brush, with his soldiers, Gia, Frost, Darius, and Tanner, who all begin finding secure spots to keep a lookout from…
Dissolve to Leo and the others now being sneaky, and getting as close to Fort Vancouver as they can. They run from a building structure over to a brushy area. Leo pulls out binoculars. His POV as he scans around the Fort, and then the surrounding area, with tons of people working the gardens, which have fences all around them, to keep out the dead…
Leo hands the binoculars to Zane, who looks through, as Leo looks over at Baxter.
LEO
Is this about as good as your view from the other side?
BAXTER
I'd say we're a little closer, with a better view of their
exit route, which leads straight toward the campus.
LEO
It's definitely a good setup between the two.
Surprised I didn't think of it.
ZANE
Too close to the city and not enough hunting. Those
gardens would not be enough to feed a large
community through the winter months.
STIX
Hunting might be better than you think. West and
South of this area is huff city, but East and North is
woods and farms, without everyday human life.
LEO
I was thinking same thing, but their hunters would be
at constant risk compared to the coast or mountains,
especially while transporting in and out of their camps.
ZANE
Stix is right, though. It's doable, and what other
options does he have?
Suddenly, a bullet comes out of nowhere, and just misses Leo, followed by a second, that just misses Zane, as they and the others all quickly duck down low.
ZANE
What the! Is that a damn sniper?!
Leo ducked down low, just staring back at Zane…
LEO
(rising)
Yes, it was…and just close enough to miss us both.
Zane just staring wide-eyed at his dad, who stands there in the open, as the others watch in shock…
Another shot is fired, just missing Leo, who now walks out and raises his hands outward, showing himself. A few shots are fired at his feet, just missing. Zane looks out, as a group of men on horses are heading right for them. With more from another side, almost like they were expecting company.
ZANE
(into radio)
We've been fired at by a sniper, and now have dozens
of armed horsemen on the verge of surrounding us.
Get back to the boats and send word to the others!
Zane shuts off radio and walks out next to his dad, as do the others. The men on horses arrive, a ton of them, aiming guns at them all. None of them are Anthony, or look familiar to Leo and the others, although Bryson (from flashbacks) is on one of the horses, aiming his weapon down at the others…
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK
EXT. CLARK CAMPUS – DAY
Bryson, Jessica, Haylee, and tons of other students/faculty are outside, near one of the campus parking lots, where tons of military vehicles are unloading supplies…
Jessica takes notice of Ace and Carter talking to some soldiers, and then turns to look at groups of people being led by some solders across the campus field, and toward all the students.
They look like random families, kids, parents, even a few dogs, and one little girl is carrying her kitten. They're not here to stay, as they don't appear to have suitcases or bags, but are marched up to the gathering of students/faculty, as a soldier with a blowhorn prepares to speak to them all…
SOLDIER
(through blowhorn)
I need everyone to quiet down, step in as close as
possible, and listen to what I have to say.
Everyone bunches up as much as they can. Many faces are tear-dried, some small children currently crying, or scared, holding on closely to their mom or dad…
Jessica looks around at them all, and how scared they appear, but also relieved and anxious for answers/help…
She then takes notice of the cute jogger guy who had ran past her and Haylee, just before all the madness. He appears to be alone, and catches Jessica eyeing him, just before the soldier goes on.
SOLDIER
I'm Colonel Davis, and I know you all have a lot of
questions, so let me do my best to put them to rest.
We have food, generators, and other supplies, and will
do our best to keep you comfortable, while we fight to
clear the city. That's the good news…now for the bad,
and the harsh reality of the situation we're all in. By all,
I mean the entire country, and probably the entire world.
The dead are…not so dead. They're violent and hungry
for the flesh of the living. We don't know how many, or
if it's just the infected who become like this, but if you let
one sink it's teeth into you, and your fate will be their
own. Now, we have military camps all throughout the
country, and will give it our best effort to make more
sense of this, and to overcome it…but I'll warn you right
now, that although each camp will take care of its civilians,
we have no time for rescue missions or finding missing
family members. Look around you…this is now your
family. Those outside our camps are casualties of war,
and considered infected.
POV Jessica as the colonel goes on, but his lasts words have a life-altering effect on her. She tunes out the rest of what he is saying, as she slowly walks off on her own, next to a building and some brush. She looks faint, or like she may vomit. She begins taking deep breaths, bracing herself against a tree…
MAN
Miss, are you okay?
He helps her from collapsing (revealing himself as cute jogger), as she becomes emotional.
MAN
Whoa, I got you. (looking at her) I'm guessing you
have someone you're really worried about.
He looks over at the Colonel, who just wrapped up his speech, as other soldiers begin handing out supplies…
MAN
He wasn't lying about the harsh reality part, was he?
(looking at her) I'm Steve, and I'm hurting too, but
right now, I'm easing that pain by focusing on yours.
So, take your time, because I know I'm going to be in
a world of pain, once I go back to my empty home.
Please feel free to distract me as long as you possibly can.
Jessica can't even look at him…
JESSICA
(highly emotional)
You're making it worse by reminding me I'm not the
only one. I mean, how selfish am I, right? I know how
they all feel. I know how you feel. I lost my older sister,
younger brother, and my mom, in the snap of a finger.
(sobbing) So, I know what you're going through. I was
seven years old, and only survived because my dad got
me through it. We got each other through it. I don't
even know why I'm telling you all this.
STEVE
Because I want you to.
JESSICA
(finally looking at him)
How do I get through this? How do I do it without him?
(bawling) How does he get through it?
He just stares at her with a developing tear…
JESSICA
I'm sorry. I'm really not trying to be selfish.
STEVE
Which is the last thing you are being.
He just sits with her while she weeps, before again looking at him…
JESSICA
Who did you lose?
STEVE
I'm trying to make myself believe she's just as safe
as I am, but my fiancé is the one I can't stop thinking
about. My parents, too. I'm actually staying at their
home up on the hill, while they were away. My fiancé,
who is actually just my girlfriend, as I was going to ask
her to marry me next weekend at the coast, is away
on business.
Jessica shaking her head…
JESSICA
Thanks for making me feel even more selfish. I'm so sorry.
Haylee arriving, with her own tears and a hug for Bryson, who then hugs some other girl, and another, all worried about their loved ones…
HAYLEE
You okay, Jess?
Jessica looks up at Haylee, then stands and embraces her…
JESSICA
I'm so sorry about your family, Haylee.
HAYLEE
I'm so sorry about your dad.
POV travels away from them, and among all the other emotional students and families…
People are gathering supplies, at least half of them with tears. Some people are too emotional to do anything other than sit and cry…
POV comes to Ace, talking with the Colonel.
ACE
I'm not suggesting you give us weapons. We'll just use
baseball bats or hockey sticks, whatever we can, but
you have to put us in the fight. We're young and strong,
and you know you could use the extra manpower.
COLONEL DAVIS
(shaking head)
Never going to happen. In a single word…liability.
ACE
(shocked)
Liability? I bet there isn't even a single damn lawyer
left in the world!
Another soldier arrives.
SOLDIER
Colonel, we have command on the line.
The colonel turns to leave as scene dissolves…
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
EXT. FORT VANCOUVER – DAY
Leo and the others being led through the gates of Fort Vancouver. The men leading them come to a stop, climbing down off their horses…
A man dressed as a soldier is approaching them, and revealed as Colonel Davis as he arrives, looking over Leo and the others…
He then looks at the horsemen, unloading the weapons they confiscated…
COLONEL DAVIS
I see they were heavily armed. Are they a talkative group?
MAN
They say they will only talk to someone named Anthony.
The colonel makes a curious expression…
DAKOTA
He might go by Grover.
The colonel looks at Dakota, obviously recognizing the name…
COLONEL DAVIS
As in Forest Grover?
Leo and Zane share a look, then both stare at the Colonel, without responding…
COLONEL DAVIS
Well, if he was here, I'd certainly let you speak to him,
as I'd love to meet this mythical man, myself. There
have been stories, not just of him, but a Queen of Nike
World, and communities with monthly newsletters.
(Looking them all over) Is that where you're all from?
Nike World, or Forest Grover?
The colonel eyeing them, waiting for a response, that he doesn't get…
COLONEL DAVIS
(looking at his men)
These guys weren't lying…(looking back at Leo and them)
I mean, we have plenty of people I've never met, living up
at the campus. I guess your Grover could be one of them.
LEO
His name is Anthony.
The colonel examines Leo's face, as Leo and Zane do the same to him…
COLONEL DAVIS
Who is he?
Silence, before Leo responds…
LEO
He was my best friend, until I discovered he was my son.
Both Leo and Zane studying the expression response of the colonel, after that information. He appears bewildered…
COLONEL DAVIS
Well now, that sounds even more fictional than a forest
named Grover, and a Queen of fancy footwear, but I
can certainly see why a community like this would need
a newsletter! Any chance I can get a copy of the most
recent article, so I can get the scoop on you and your,
either "best friend", or son, who goes by either Anthony,
or Grover?
Few chuckles from the horsemen, as Leo and Zane continue studying the colonel's expression…
The colonel shrugs and raises his eyebrows at them.
COLONEL DAVIS
I can't help you guys until you tell me what this is all
about. We don't want to start a war with you and
wherever you came from, and will even radio the
campus to begin a search for anyone named Anthony
or Grover, but until we get some answers and can
trust you're not here as a threat, we have no choice
but to put you in a cage.
Leo and Zane continue eyeing him, as Dakota and the others turn to look at the fenced cell, which holds several others…
Leo and the colonel staring directly at each other…
LEO
What you need to know is that the other half of our
search party, the half we had watching our backs out
there, are already on their way back to Forest Grover,
and will be returning with an army. We'll accept your
"hospitality", but if you harm one hair on a single one
of us, I promise our Queen will bury you in a pair of that
"fancy footwear".
The colonel smiles, as Leo looks him dead in the eyes…
LEO
And I'm still not buying that my son is not the one
in charge here.
COLONEL DAVIS
And I'm still not buying into him being your best friend,
before being your son…and if I'm wrong, then I most
definitely want to hear that story…or you know, read
about it in your newsletter.
Leo and Zane staring at him…
LEO
Everything you're saying is scripted. (Zane nodding)
Which means I'm wasting my time. You're more scared
of him than you'll be of my army, once they stand outside
these walls…so go tell him I'm here, and that the rest of
us will be too. I just want to speak with him. We'll leave
the way we came, in peace, if that's what he wants…but
not until we speak…
Dissolve to Leo, Zane, and the others now inside of the cell. Leo gives an ironic look to Zane…
LEO
Well, it was Mayday to the rescue last time we found
ourselves in this predicament…hopefully he'll come
through again.
Dakota and the others listening, as Zane responds.
ZANE
It was smart not mentioning him to this guy.
LEO
I want to see his reaction when he sees him for himself.
ZANE
That's what I figured.
DAKOTA
(shaking head)
What are you guys talking about?
LEO
I'm guessing this guy has been Anthony's number two
since early on, and knows Major David is a part of our
group. His reaction could confirm that.
ZANE
I'm with you…but I'm still open to the idea of these
guys being on their own.
DAKOTA
As am I, which is all the more reason to bring up Mayday.
If they know each other, this guy will trust us.
LEO
You guys don't know him like I do…and remember, I
was a part of Glenwood. He has organized this place
the same as we did there…as a backup plan…much like
I did with the beach camp…
Zane staring at Leo…
ZANE
So, then he started this place with the same mindset
as you did with the beach camp…question now is…
what mindset is he currently running it with?
Leo shaking head while contemplating what Zane just said…
LEO
I know he's here, and want to say with the same
confidence, that I know he's no longer that man…
but I'm worried that would be a conclusion from
my heart…not my head…
DAKOTA
So, you're saying you may have walked us into a
repeat situation of last Christmas?
ZANE
Dakota, please.
DAKOTA
What? I know Dad's killing it these days, but he said
it himself. He's thinking with his heart. You spent
most of your life hating this man, and now for the
last six or seven months, you're following him around
like a lost puppy.
CLEO
Dakota.
DAKOTA
No, he needs to hear this, because he's not a leader
anymore. He's a follower…and following a man who,
until about a half year ago, had no idea where he was
going…and still perhaps doesn't.
Dakota looks at Zane for a response, who instead looks at Leo for his response…
DAKOTA
See! Right there! Rather than respond, you just look
at Dad! You're lost, Zane! You are completely lost!
Zane explodes with anger!
ZANE
(yelling)
Of course, I am! We've just lost the greatest human
being who ever walked the earth! I don't know if I'll
ever forgive Dad or Grover for the things they've done,
but we have no choice but to except it. Dad stepping up
the way he has is the reason we're all healing, and the
idea of seeing what he's capable of while truly himself,
is what gives me hope. I'm just as worried about Grover's
state of mind as you are, but our grandfather gave his
life to meet and make a difference in our brother's life…
We owe it to Grandpa to bring him home…or else he
died in vain…
Everyone silent, even Dakota, who just stares at Zane, before shaking her head…
LEO
Anthony…
Everyone silently staring at Leo…
LEO
His name is Anthony…
ZANE
I know, Dad…
Colonel Davis smiles, and turns away from near the cell, walking away with a shake of the head…
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK
EXT. CAMPUS NEIGHBORHOOD – DAY
Colonel Davis in his jeep, driving uphill through the fancy neighborhood, across from the campus. He spots Ace, moving supplies into one of the vacant fancy homes. Davis pulls up into the driveway, as Ace puts down the box of supplies and walks over to Davis…
COLONEL DAVIS
Command will flip if they discover I'm considering taking
you up on your offer, but it's beginning to look like I may
not have a choice. My men are dropping like flies out
there…as will you and your guys, if you join us.
ACE
No pain, no gain. Put us in the fight, Colonel.
Davis eyes him for a moment…
COLONEL DAVIS
Gather everyone brave enough to fight under my
command, and meet at the library in an hour.
ACE
Yes, sir.
Davis backs his jeep out of the driveway and continues his way uphill, until reaching the top, where he pulls into another driveway, speaking with another group of neighborhood men.
POV of Davis now coming from someone across the street. It's an attractive woman, on her porch with her 5-year-old son, and 7-year-old daughter, who is the same little girl who was holding the kitten (in last flashback scene), and still is, while sitting on the porch swing…
They watch Davis move on to another nearby home, where he begins speaking to Steve, Jessica, Haylee, Bryson, and another student (Jamie), who were all heading up toward Steve's home, with backpacks and supplies...
The little girl laughs at the cuteness of her kitten, and then hands it to her little brother, while their mom continues watching Davis talk to Steve and the others, before eventually driving away…
POV Steve and them as they turn and begin walking toward his house.
JESSICA
We should have warned him what kind of person
that Ace guy is.
Haylee a semi roll of her eyes.
BRYSON
Maybe it's better that he's out there, than in here.
HAYLEE
Maybe we should appreciate him risking his life and
stop holding a grudge for his behavior during the
worst and most effed up day of his life…all of our lives.
Jessica and Bryson sharing a surprised look…
JESSICA
Was it really the worst day of his life? Because to me
it looked like he was really enjoying himself. He also
gives me the super creeps, always staring at me the
way he does.
HAYLEE
I'm just saying, maybe give the guy a break.
They enter the house, looking around in complete awe…
BRYSON
Oh my God…at least we're going to die in style.
Couple slight chuckles.
STEVE
Yes, my parents are real assholes, waiting until I
left the nest before purchasing this baby.
A couple more slight chuckles, as Jessica looks at Steve, and can see him thinking about his family…
JESSICA
At least they're out of the country… They might be
in better shape than we are.
Steve gives her an appreciative look, while Bryson, Haylee, and Jamie all move on, looking around. Steve enters his kitchen and places down his box of supplies on the table. He looks back at Jessica, who has taken notice of something in front of her, slowly approaching it, while just staring at it…
POV of her looking at it, as Steve comes from behind her, also looking at it…
Their POV of a large window with a picturesque view, overlooking the large bluff and city below. There are abandoned vehicles everywhere, and smoke clouds in the background. There are dogs roaming around, some barking and running from huffs, who are everywhere. There are soldiers killing huffs over in a park (lying at bottom of bluff near the campus, in front of a large field). A car can now be seen speeding down a street, until slowing to move around and through the abandoned vehicles, and again speeding as an army vehicle is now in pursuit, and firing at the car.
Jessica looks at Steve, with wide eyes…
JESSICA
What the hell is going on out there?
Steve just looks at her and back out there, with a shake of the head…
JESSICA
I mean…why are they shooting at civilians?
Dissolve to captions…
CAPTIONS
A few days later…
Dissolve to Jess asleep in bed, as she begins to wake, and looks next to her. Her POV of Steve, sitting up with his head in his hand, obviously upset...
She covers herself with the blanket, and rises, placing her hand on his shoulder.
JESSICA
Steve? What's wrong?
STEVE
I'm sorry. I didn't mean for you to see me like this.
JESSICA
It's okay. You can talk to me, Steve…
Steve eventually turns to face her, with tears in his eyes.
STEVE
I've never cheated on my girlfriend. I shouldn't have
done this. I feel like I'll probably never see her again,
or that she's even…
He just closes eyes, drops, and shakes his head, not wanting to finish that thought. Jessica embraces him.
JESSICA
I'm so sorry…but Steve you didn't cheat on her. What
we did, this…was more about mourning than anything
else…I mean…I care about you, and really like you, but
I know your heart still belongs to her… She would
understand what you're going through.
STEVE
That's the thing…I feel guilty about feeling better…
about trying to make myself okay about never seeing
her again. I feel like I'm letting her go…
He looks into her eyes, as she does his…
STEVE
And I feel guilty for liking you, too…
They kiss…
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. PARK BELOW THE BLUFF – DAY
Close-up of a street sign, reading Fort Vancouver Way, panning back to an uphill street that has TriMet busses as a barricade, along with a fence, and a secondary fence a little further down the street, where huffs are on the other side of it. Next to the street is a bluff, with a sloped park, where a couple of soldiers stand guard near the blockade, with lots of noise coming from inside the park, where huffs are heading…
POV close-up of a hockey stick with a big sharp blade welded to it, as it swings through the air, coming down on top of the head of a huff, instantly killing it. POV pans back to an excited Haylee, with Ace close by, smiling at her.
HAYLEE
YEEEAAAAHHHH!
ACE
That a girl! You're getting the hang of this shit! And
looking sexy while you do it!
Just then, another girl (Keysha) kills a huff, and then comes over and gives Haylee a kiss, who then turns to look at Ace.
HAYLEE
You're cute and I can flirt with boys all day, but
you just don't have what this woman has.
They both kiss again and then move toward more huffs, killing them and moving on, as Ace smiles, and then fires a gun, killing a pair of huffs, as more of his men/students are all around them, killing huffs as they cross through the park, toward Fort Vancouver Way. Some of the students have guns, others have hockey sticks with blades, or baseball bats. They are in control of the situation, but it's never-ending, as more huffs continue to come from the city…
POV goes upward, until reaching Steve's window, and inside, where Steve, Jessica, Bryson, and Jamie are all watching…
JESSICA
I hate thinking about you out there, especially after dark.
STEVE
We've got to keep the barricades strong, or this place
won't last.
JESSICA
What about the food? How long will that last?
BRYSON
That's why we keep going out there. Eventually, if we
clear the dead, we can begin to hunt.
Jamie holding on to Bryson.
JAMIE
I'm so glad I have you, to share this new way of life with.
Jessica and Steve sharing a look at each other, thinking the same thing that Jamie just said…
POV moves to the window, and back outside, as day dissolves to night, and POV comes back down to the park, where military vehicles have bright flood lights over the area. Steve, Bryson, Carter, and others are killing off random huffs. It's more relaxed than the daytime scene was, with not as many huffs around, although they begin to brace, as a fairly large herd is seen from the street, beginning to enter the park…
POV goes upward, remaining of the park as it travels back to Steve's window. Eventually, the POV rotates, and comes to find the window, as Jessica looks through it. POV slows down, going right up against the glass, as Jessica keeps looking outward. Suddenly, a creepy person in a ski mask is seen slowly sneaking up behind Jessica, and eventually grabbing her from behind.
POV inside as Jessica screams with all her might, as her attacker turns her around and climbs on top of her. She continues to scream and fight, until suddenly ceasing for just a moment, as she stares back into his eyes, those same creepy eyes that have stared at her before. She instantly begins to scream and fight again, knowing that her attacker is Ace…
Her screams fade as POV moves back outside the window, heading back for the park, but still catching glimpses of the ski- masked man assaulting her from up top. POV rotates, and comes to Steve in the park, as he mashes the head of a huff, and goes for another one…
Dark gives way to morning, as a tired/bloody Steve, Bryson, Carter, and others are heading through the barricade, and back for the campus…
Dissolve to Steve and Bryson entering his home, exhausted. They both stop in their tracks, as they see Jamie holding a beaten and emotional Jessica. Steven runs to her.
STEVE
What the hell happened?!
Jessica too emotional to answer…
JAMIE
I got here and found her this way. She won't tell me
what happened.
JESSICA
(crying it out)
It was him! It was Ace! He…he raped me!
Cut to Steve barging into a house, rushing up the steps. He opens one door, which wakes someone inside. It's not Ace. He kicks in another door, this time finding Ace climbing out of bed, and jumps right on him, beating him as much as he can. He looks like he might kill him, until the other guy comes rushing in, pulling him off.
Ace quickly grabs his gun, and without hesitation fires it at Steve. His shot hits him in the chest. He stands there a moment, about to fall back, as Ace helps, with a shove right through a giant window, as Steve falls outside onto the front lawn…
Bryson was already at the front door, about to enter, but now taking notice of Steve on the lawn, and rushing back out to him. Other neighbors are coming out, and a military vehicle comes speeding to the scene…
Ace and his friend come out onto the porch, as Jamie helps Jessica out onto their porch, with worried looks. Bryson looks from Steve's dead body, to Ace, and rises, then charging for him. The soldiers go running after Bryson, one of them pulling out his gun.
SOLDIER
Freeze right there, or I will shoot!
Bryson stops, while staring right at Ace. Jessica begins to take notice of Steve's lifeless body, frantically limping her way down off the porch, with the help of Jamie.
JESSICA
Oh my God, no. No! NO!
She makes it over into the yard, but can tell he is dead, and hysterically drops down to her knees.
Another military vehicle arrives, as Colonel Davis rushes out of it, taking in the scene.
BRYSON
You have to arrest (pointing at Ace) this man! He
raped Jessica and now just murdered Steve!
Jessica crying out in agony, at the mention of Steve being murdered.
ACE
I what?! Rape?! I was attacked while in my damn
bed! I indeed defended myself and shot this man,
who then fell through the window, but I didn't rape
a God damn thing!
Colonel Davis looking from Steve to Ace, then over to Jessica…
Dissolve to moments later, with soldiers talking to Ace, on the porch. Haylee and her girlfriend are now there, with Ace, and looking over toward Colonel Davis who is talking with Jessica and Jamie. Jessica makes eye contact with Haylee, and yells over at her.
JESSICA
How can you just be up there with him, like that?!
Who even are you, anymore?
HAYLEE
I'm sorry this happened to you, Jessica, but you can't
just blame someone because you've never liked him.
I really am –
JESSICA
(screaming)
FUCK YOU!
Haylee just shakes and puts her head down, as Davis walks away from Jessica and Jamie, with Bryson following after him.
BRYSON
So, you're going to arrest him, or shoot him, right?
Davis talking with his soldiers, as Bryson impatiently watches…
BRYSON
What are you even discussing?! He needs to pay
for what he's done!
COLONEL DAVIS
She said the guy had a mask, (pointing at Ace on porch)
and that guy right there has an alibi. I can't lock up a
potentially innocent man over the information she gave me.
BRYSON
You gotta' be freaking kidding me?! What are we fighting
for, if shit like this is happening inside here?! We have to
have law! You're the law!
COLONEL DAVIS
(Becoming frustrated)
I will try to figure something out, but I don't have time for
this shit! We're getting our asses handed to us out there! I
don't even know how much longer command will -
Suddenly, Steve wakes up as a huff, as everyone watches him rise, and Jessica lets out an echoing sound of agony…
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
EXT. FORT VANCOUVER CELL – DAY
Leo standing against the cell fence, with Colonel Davis on the other side.
LEO
So, if my son is not the one running this place,
then who is?
COLONEL DAVIS
What makes you think it's not all mine?
Leo just staring at him a moment…
LEO
I'm sure it was, at first, until it wasn't…
Davis smiles…
COLONEL DAVIS
You could say I have an ace in the hole.
LEO
What do you mean "ace" in the hole? I heard one
of your men in here mention that name.
COLONEL DAVIS
He's in charge, or his woman is…I'm not sure.
Leo looking from Davis to Zane, as if beginning to believe maybe Anthony is not there, as Davis walks away…
Dissolve to a little while later, as Cleo chats with one of the other men who is in the cell with them.
CLEO
Did they say how you're supposed to prove that?
Guy (Jack) just shrugs.
JACK
I don't know. Some test or something. So, is there
really a Queen at Nike World?
CLEO
(walking away)
She's some martial arts champion who has taught her
entire community to fight like she does.
Cleo walking by Leo, quietly mentioning something to him…
CLEO
They don't know anything.
Leo looking at the men, then back out and around at what the Colonel's men are doing. He takes notice of the Colonel approaching, and walking to the gate of the cell, opening it up. Jack and the other men who were inside, are now walking out, as Davis closes the gate after them.
JACK
I couldn't get anything out of them, except the same
things they mentioned to you.
Davis giving Leo a look, while walking away…
ZANE
If he's putting men in here to spy on us, he can't
know Anthony.
Leo looking from Zane to Davis…
LEO
Unless that's what he wants us to think. (Looking back
at Zane) This is his move, his attempt to send us on our
way, believing he's not here. I know him, Zane. He's
embarrassed, and doesn't want to harm us…nor face us…
Zane taking in what his dad thinks, as they both look outward, and ponder the situation…
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK
INT. FANCY HOME ON THE HILL – NIGHT
POV travels through the home, as Haylee and Keysha can be heard arguing. Framed pictures of the people who lived there can be seen on the walls, as POV begins moving down a hallway.
KEYSHA
(OS)
She's your friend, Haylee.
HAYLEE
(OS)
It's a new world, with new friends!
KEYSHA
(OS)
You gotta' be kidding me, Hay. Whether she's wrong
about Ace, or not, the girl was just raped!
POV finally finds them, as Haylee just looks back at Keysha, holding back tears…
HAYLEE
And like I told her, I am sorry it happened…but you heard
what those soldiers told us today…(shaking head) It's over.
they're shipping out and will be leaving us all alone. Ace is
the only one who can keep this place safe…and people like
Jessica…they just don't have what it takes to last. She
doesn't have what I have.
Keysha just shaking her head with disgust at what Haylee just said, and eventually turns and walks away…
HAYLEE
I was raped…
Keysha turns and looks back at her, then walks back to her…
KEYSHA
What?
HAYLEE
Senior year of high school…by multiple guys…older,
Gross, and filthy guys…who got me walking alone
while drunk off my ass…I had never been with a guy.
KEYSHA
I'm so sorry that happened to you, Haylee.
HAYLEE
I'm not…
Keysha gives her a confused look…
HAYLEE
I buried it, and kept going on with my life…and now…
now it's why I'm strong enough to survive and
contribute the way I can. Maybe Jessica will learn
like I did, to toughen up, and stand her ground…if
not, she probably won't be around for much longer…
Keysha shaking her head while looking into Haylee's eyes…
KEYSHA
I feel sorry for you, Haylee…You might be tough (nods),
sure, but you are also broken, girl…yes you are.
Keysha turns and walks away, leaving through the front door…
Someone's view of Keysha leaving the house…
POV Haylee standing there just shaking her head, even a grin, before suddenly fighting back emotion, and working hard to not begin sobbing like a girl…
She goes to the bathroom, and closes door on POV…
Dissolve to the sound of the toilet flushing, and then water being splashed on her face…
Door opens, and she begins slowly walking the hall, distracting herself by looking at some of the pictures on the wall…
Suddenly, a creepy man with a ski mask is seen entering the hallway, behind her, and then disappearing…
She enters back into the kitchen, just zoning away…
She begins walking up the staircase…
POV stays on the staircase, as she goes offscreen, with the sound of her bedroom door closing, soon followed with a loud scream, and plenty of cries. POV begins leaving the home, out the door, to the continued sound of Haylee screaming, until she's beaten, and hushed…
POV crosses the street, and enters a different home. It finds the bedroom of the little girl with the kitten, lying on her bed (with crayons/books all over it) holding that kitten…
POV enters next room over, where her mother kisses the little boy, lying him to bed, in her own bedroom.
WOMAN
I'll send your sister in.
She gives him a smile and another kiss.
WOMAN
(walking out door)
I love you, sweetheart.
She walks over and opens her daughter's bedroom door.
WOMAN
You and Abby need to go protect your little brother.
Jumping off of her bed with the kitten, and running out of room, into her mother's room, jumping into bed with her brother, who smiles and takes the kitten, cuddling with it. Woman goes to door and leaves it slightly open, then walks into her living room, glancing out the window, before sitting down on her couch, and grabbing a journal from the coffee table. She begins writing in it.
JOURNAL
If I felt foolish keeping this journal for whoever might
come across it, before, well then why in the hell am I
still writing it now? The only help we have is leaving,
and no other help is coming, or is probably even out
there. Humans are done, no one is left to read this or
care about the final events leading up to our demise.
With the military here, I had hope, but once Bryson told
me they are shipping out at daybreak, I knew it was over,
and therefore so are these entries.
She places it back down on the coffee table, and rises from couch, with another glance out the window. This time she does a double-take, as she notices something in the upstairs window of the house across from hers.
Her POV of a man with a ski mask, leaving the room. She quickly turns to go get help, but comes face to face with another ski-masked man, who slams her down onto the ground, fighting his way on top of her, as she kicks and screams…
She can eventually hear her children calling for her, and uses all her might to fight back. She even gets his mask off, revealing him as Ace, and then lands a hard kick to his groin. He reacts in severe pain, as she tries to race away, but he's able to just barely stick her with a knife, keeping her on the ground, in pain of her own…
He recovers enough to get in closer, and go for the kill shot, into her gut, and then looking her in the eyes, as the life drains from her body…
ACE
It's a damn shame…you were so hot.
Ace looks up toward the sound of her crying children, flips his mask back on, and rushes out the backdoor…
Cut to Ace entering his house, taking off his mask and breathing heavily, before taking notice of the sound of his roommate (and alibi) coming out of the bathroom, with a smile at Ace…
FRIEND
I'm glad you talked me into that!
ACE
Dude, I had to kill mine! Bitch got my mask off.
FRIEND
Are you sure this will work?
ACE
When we catch and kill the guys who did this shit, we'll
be heroes. Everyone will follow us. This place will be ours!
They share a high-five…
ACE
Hope you enjoyed your experience?
FRIEND
Not as much as Haylee enjoyed it! Pretty sure she'll
go back to men after that shit!
Ace just staring at his friend…
ACE
Please tell me you did not go after Haylee?
POV of his friend.
FRIEND
Hell yeah, I did. I saw an opportunity and I took it. I
did have to rough her up a bit, though, but she'll heal.
A bladed hockey stick goes right into his head, panning back to a look of rage on the face of Ace…
Dissolve to Ace dashing into Haylee's room, finding her on the floor, clothes ripped and heavily beaten. He's quick to help her…
POV leaves that house, traveling next door to the sound of the crying children, and their mother lying motionless on the floor. Their crying comes from the bedroom, too scared to come out. Their mother begins waking as a huff, rising, and turning/heading in direction of the crying.
POV both terrified children in their mom's bed, crying and pleading for their mother. The boy lets go of the kitten, who is nervous, and jumps down off the bed, running for the cracked door.
GIRL
No, ABBY!
The kitten runs through the cracked door, disappearing around the corner, right as the shadow of their mother can be seen entering the hallway…
POV of the mother, spotting the kitten on the floor by the cracked door, looking up at her. The kitten crouches down onto the floor, submitting to the woman, without knowing of the danger. The woman comes down toward the kitten, opening her mouth and about to take a big bite out of it.
BOY
(OS)
Momma?
The woman stops, turns, and spots the boy at the door. She rises and goes into the room, as the boy is backing up to the bed, scared of the way his mom is acting, and as the little girl begins screaming, causing her brother to do the same, but not understanding the situation, and backing himself up against the bed, where his mother reaches him, and begins to feast, as he hollers out in pain, while his sister screams with all her lungs, while racing to the door, and through it.
POV girl racing to her bedroom door, but quickly reaching down and picking up the kitten, bringing it inside with her, slamming her door shut. She runs onto the bed, and just begins crying, while holding the kitten, and listening to the sound of her brother's screams ceasing, to the point of only hearing her own sobs…
POV leaving that house, traveling across the street to Ace's house, where he helps Haylee inside.
HAYLEE
I fought him off me, Ace. I swear I did not let him
do to me what he did to Jessica.
He guides her to his friend's body, and the ski mask in his back pocket…
ACE
I caught him with the mask, and the bruises you gave
him. He actually tried to brag about it. I didn't hesitate…
Haylee somewhat shocked, but looking over the body with relief, and appreciation…
ACE
You will take his place at my side…
She stares over at him…
ACE
Together we will rule this place…
She smiles…
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
EXT. FORT VANCOUVER CELL – DAY
The colonel walks away from Leo, who turns to walk back over to Zane…
ZANE
Any luck?
LEO
I got him believing we've given up on the idea of
Anthony being here, but he says until this Ace guy or
his other half arrives, that he has to keep us in here.
Once one of them arrives, you and I will work on
them together…and get the answer we're looking for.
ZANE
You still believe without a doubt, he's here?
LEO
One-hundred percent…but, I was wrong about one thing.
ZANE
And that would be?
LEO
He's no longer Anthony…He's Grover, again…
Dakota just close enough to hear what they're saying, and shaking her head…
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK
EXT. STEVE'S HOUSE – NIGHT
Keysha on the porch talking with Jessica, Bryson, and Jamie, as they all look over at Ace and Haylee, coming out of his place, and heading toward them…
Keysha taking notice of Haylee's bloody face and bruises…
KEYSHA
Haylee?...what –
HAYLEE
I got attacked…(looking at Jessica) by the same guy
who attacked you.
KEYSHA
What?! When?! I was just with you less than an hour ago!
HAYLEE
Right after you left. It was Rodger. Ace caught him
right afterward, and killed him.
Bryson and Jessica reacting to that information…
BRYSON
That doesn't make sense!
JESSICA
How do you know it wasn't (pointing at Ace) him!
BRYSON
Rodger was his alibi, so something here doesn't add up!
ACE
I admit, I was home alone, sleeping, and had Rodger
cover for me. I had no idea he was the one. I caught
him right after he came back from Haylee's, with the
ski mask in his back pocket.
HAYLEE
It's true, (looking at Jessica) because unlike you, I was
able to fight him off, and left bruises all over his face,
which (pointing to Ace's house) you can go see for
yourself. (Pointing at Ace's face) As you clearly see his
face is fine.
Jessica rises and walks right over to Ace, looking over his face, and then into his eyes…those same creepy eyes. She flashes to her memory of them, while being raped, and then to the same exact eyes in front of her, as she gets creeped out and steps back behind Bryson…
JESSICA
I don't care what anyone says. That is the man right
there, who raped me.
HAYLEE
(frustrated)
Bullshit! You are weak, Jessica! You couldn't fight him
off like I did, just like you can't survive in this world, like
I can. Instead, you have to stand there behind someone
else, like you always do. Depending on your dad to save
you, then Steve, now Bryson. Save yourself, Jessica!
Jessica shedding a tear, shaking her head as she looks at her former friend…
Suddenly, massive gunfire is heard coming from the campus. It sounds like all-out war!
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
EXT. FORT VANCOUVER GATES – DAY
A ton of horsemen are entering the gates, into the Fort…
POV Leo and the others watching them enter. Their POV of Carter and some of his men, riding their horses inside, and followed by one last rider, as POV travels up her horse, revealing the rider as a woman, and then revealing her as Jessica!
She looks different, much more confident, and strong, as she begins climbing down from her horse…
Dissolve to her overlooking the colonel's men, as they open up the cell and allow Leo and his people to come out…
Dissolve to her taking a seat at a table, next to Davis and across from Leo and Zane, with Dakota, and Cleo right behind them, along with Porter, Baxter, Stix, and GW.
JESSICA
(speaking to Leo/Zane)
I want to thank you for understanding the cautions that
were taken by the head of our military. We're here to
make allies, not enemies...but as you can imagine, we've
gone through hell, and can't just allow you to leave, if
you plan to turn right around and cause us harm. Colonel
Davis seems to believe we can trust you…please make
me feel the same way.
Dissolve to flashes of all their faces (without audio of Leo's response), as Leo and Zane tell their stories, while Jessica listens…
Dissolve to Colonel Davis with a pleasantly surprised expression (audio coming in for a moment), that both Leo and Zane are studying.
COLONEL DAVIS
Major David? And you call him Mayday, now? Oh man,
I can't believe he's still alive and with you guys!
Dissolve to (audio out) shots of Carter and others, as well as the Colonel's soldiers, taking in what is being said…
Dissolve to Leo wrapping it up, as Jessica takes a deep breath…
JESSICA
We've got some stories of our own, but I can see why
you guys have a newsletter.
COLONEL DAVIS
(chuckling)
That's pretty much what I told them.
JESSICA
(smiling at Davis)
I know, I'm ready to put together a softball squad
and take these guys on.
Zane smiling.
ZANE
A baller, eh?
JESSICA
You bet. I played for the school and have some
teammates up there.
ZANE
We haven't really played, since…
Jessica's smile fading…
JESSICA
I really am sorry about your grandfather. (Looking at
Leo) And I really do wish you luck finding your son, and
if we can help we will, but I'm truly sorry you came all
this way expecting him to be here.
LEO
You said Ace was busy with intruders at the campus?
May I ask what that is all about?
JESSICA
Like I said, once word came that you guys were civil,
he remained there to handle the issue we have with
our hunting teams.
LEO
You guys hunting east, or northeast?
JESSICA
Both; but running into issues in the east.
LEO
What kind of trouble?
JESSICA
There's an organized group, out there somewhere.
They got two of our teams, about twenty miles from
here. We had a guy make it back. He said they must
have been watching them the entire time, and waited
for them to score enough meat to feed the community
through the upcoming winter, before they killed and
took all the grub. We imagine it played out that way
with the first team we lost.
LEO
But you can't be certain?
JESSICA
We can't. Anything could have happened, but Ace
and I don't believe in coincidence.
Leo giving her a look, as he follows up with another question.
LEO
What course of action does Ace plan to take?
JESSICA
Depending on what he learns from the prisoners he's
working on, his plan is to stop hunting food, and hunt
them instead. We need those hunting grounds to
survive the winters.
LEO
Not if you abandon this home and come make a new
one. Our compound is still half vacant. We have the room.
Davis looking at Jessica for her response, who smiles and looks at Zane.
JESSICA
But we have our own softball team here…at least we will.
LEO
Is that a serious no? What would Ace say?
JESSICA
If anyone here would like to go, they are free to, but Ace
loves what he has done here, and as much as he would
love to call you a friend, and live in peace with, he's just
not open to giving this place up. It's home.
LEO
What if we offered to help with your problem in the east?
Would Ace be okay with that?
JESSICA
Are you offering to help?
LEO
Will Ace accept our help?
JESSICA
He wasn't expecting such an offer, but I know I myself
would advise him to take it.
LEO
Is that the only issue, or would there be anything else
we could assist you with?
JESSICA
It's not an issue yet, but there does appear to be another
community on the southeast side of Portland. The dead
are in overwhelming numbers there, so we've left it alone
for now. But this group appears large, perhaps even larger
than you and your communities.
LEO
Do they appear aggressive?
JESSICA
We hope they don't know we're here, and didn't spot
our scouting teams, but we have no reason to trust or
fear them, at this point.
LEO
So, Ace would consider the hunting issue a bigger problem?
JESSICA
Very much so.
LEO
Even more so than finding Jordan?
JESSICA
Nothing's more impor…wait, what?
Leo a look of just "busting" Jessica, and a shocked revelational look from both Zane and Dakota! Leo just smiles at Jessica…
LEO
Nothing's more important than finding Jordan?
Jessica a dreaded stare back at Leo, who gets in close to her…
LEO
Are you in love with my son?
She continues staring back at him…
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK
EXT. CLARK CAMPUS – NIGHT
Bryson speeding a car down the hill and onto the campus. He speeds it onto a field, and across it, until stopping. He, Jessica, Jamie, and Keysha all climb out, looking at all the gunfire down by the street, where it looks like a ton of people (not huffs) have broken through the fences, and are firing heavily at the soldiers…
Dissolve to a short while later, as Jessica and them are watching Grover and a bunch of his armed men, secure all the soldiers, along with Colonel Davis. Grover's men have all their weapons, and have control of them all…
Dissolve to a short while later, as Grover shares a handshake with Colonel Davis, and his men begin giving weapons back to the secured soldiers…
GROVER
Well okay then, let's work together and get that damn
fence back up, before we all become a midnight snack!
Dissolve to Grover's men and the soldiers working together, to secure the damaged fencing, while some of the men are killing off huffs, including some that got inside…
Dissolve to Grover chatting with Bryson, and then walking over to Jessica...
GROVER
Tell me more about this Ace guy…
Dissolve to Bryson pulling up at Steve's house, with Grover pulling up behind him. Bryson points over to Ace's house, where he, Haylee, Carter, and a bunch of others come out onto the porch, all holding guns. Without a second thought, Grover begins walking over there…
As he approaches, Carter squints to get a better look. Grover looks at him, and a few others, before looking directly at Ace…
GROVER
You the asshole, Ace, I've heard so much about? The one
who likes putting on ski masks and hurting defenseless
women?
ACE
You can go inside and take a look for yourself, at what
I did to the guy who likes that sort of thing.
Grover points his gun at Ace, followed by several of Ace's men pointing their guns at Grover, with a smile from Ace, which quickly fades as he watches Carter and a few others, point their guns at Ace's guys, all while Jessica and Bryson are approaching…
GROVER
See, I set some things in motion a long time ago, and
these fine men have been here waiting for my arrival,
(looking at Carter) since what?
Carter and his men begin taking the guns from Ace and his men.
CARTER
The day it all went down. We loaded up from multiple
stores, just like the plan called for. We've just been waiting
for your ass to finally show up.
GROVER
(smiling)
I appreciate your patience, Carter, but the day it went
down was a little rough for me. (Colonel Davis pulling up)
Everything else is in motion, though, and I've even got the
Colonel on board, and plenty more men and firepower to
supply you with.
CARTER
It's an honor to have you here, sir. We've got some
more men at the Fort, as well.
GROVER
Tell me about this asshole. Is he the rapist type?
CARTER
He was helpful in the beginning, and a good fighter,
but I wouldn't put a damn bit of creepiness past this guy.
HAYLEE
He didn't do it! She's holding a grudge over him!
Grover looking from Haylee to Ace, then to Jessica…
Her face is full of tears, as she looks from Haylee, to Grover, locking eyes with him…
JESSICA
He has looked at me a certain way since the first night
here…and it was that same look while he…changed my
life forever…
Haylee taking in those words, with a look at Ace…
Grover looking him over…
GROVER
Well shit…what do I do? I really can't kill a man without
proof? Or can I? I mean, it is the freaking apocalypse and
all. Not to mention he had just pointed a gun at me…yet,
(looking at Davis) so did the colonel and his men, who are
now on team Grover. (looking at Carter) Go tear his place
apart…find me his mask.
Multiple shots of Carter and his guys inside, tearing through everything…
Carter coming out onto porch, holding a pocket knife with some blood left on it.
CARTER
Not a mask but a very suspicious find.
Grover grabbing it, looking it over.
JESSICA
He never pulled it on me, but kept saying he had a
pocket Knife, and would kill me if I screamed or
fought back!
Grover looking at Ace…
GROVER
What the hell did you do with this?
Ace beginning to look guilty, and unable to answer…
GROVER
Ohhh, look at all the developing guilt in that face. What
the hell else did you do?
Grover grabbing him, getting into his face.
GROVER
WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO?!
Grover looking into his eyes, waiting for an answer. Jessica intensely watching, taking in how concerned/angry Grover appears over someone else being hurt…
Suddenly, there is the loud sound of glass breaking, as everyone turns and looks across the street, eventually seeing a huff rise from the broken window, and coming their direction. It's the mother of the young children, with blood all over her.
KEYSHA
Oh my God; it's Mrs. Learner! She's…dead!
JESSICA
Oh my God…her kids! They're inside!
Grover rushing across the street, followed by Carter, Bryson, and Davis, while a few guys remain with Ace and his guys, holding guns on them.
Grover easily uses that same pocket knife to kill the huff, without even stopping, as he rushes up the porch, and breaking down the door. They go inside, as Jessica, Jamie, and Keysha follow after them. Grover looks all around, then finds the hallway. He goes through the open door, seeing the horrific sight of what's left of the little boy, and all the blood on the floor…
He turns, looking at the others with dread, as Jessica enters the hallway. Grover shakes his head at her, as more tears fill her eyes. Grover then looks over at the other door (closed), and the dents all over it. He rushes over, and opens it. His view of the bed, and someone obviously underneath the blankets. He motions for Jessica to come inside.
She enters, and shakes her head with emotion, before approaching the bed and slowly lifting the blanket, with Grover readying his knife. The little girl lays there with a face of tears, while holding her kitten…
Cut to Grover walking out of the house, carrying the girl, who continues to hold her brave little kitten. Grover carries her to Steve's porch, handing her to Jessica and the other ladies…
GROVER
This is Antonia, and her baby Abby. She is the bravest
little sweetheart I have ever met.
Grover turns and goes out into the street, looking over the body of the mother. Everyone watches him, as he looks over her entire body, before lifting her shirt, and finding the wounds that killed her. He matches them to the pocket knife.
He turns and instantly walks for the porch, where his guys are holding Ace. He aims his gun right at his head, but then turns it at Ace's friends, shooting and killing each of them…
He then tosses down his gun and begins beating on Ace, over and over…
GROVER
Your death is going to be the slowest I can possibly make
it! You are going to feel all the pain I can give you, leading
up to that certain death, in which you will be begging for,
long before it arrives, you sorry piece of shit!
Jessica hands the little girl to Jamie and walks over toward Grover, while beating on Ace. She watches him with admiration, and of course a look at Haylee, before pushing Grover aside and kicking Ace with all her might, as Grover watches with admiration…
GROVER
(looking at Davis)
I want him nailed to a post in the middle of the campus,
for everyone to see, and for him to die of hunger and
thirst. There he will remain, as one of the dead, and as
a reminder of what happens to his kind.
Jessica stops, looking at everyone, and then to Grover, who looks back at her, and then over to the porch where Keysha and other women hold onto Antonia.
GROVER
You have a responsibility young lady. You are now a
mother. I have to leave in the morning, but each time
I come through, I expect to see that little girl thriving,
her and her kitten.
JESSICA
I can do that…I was a psychiatry major, she will be
okay with me…but can I ask one thing in return?
GROVER
Indeed, you may.
JESSICA
Can you ban (pointing at Haylee) her? She does not
fit in here.
GROVER
Consider it done…
Dissolve to morning, with Grover and his men leaving, as Jessica and others watch, and wave him goodbye. They also watch Haylee, with a backpack, leaving on her own…
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
EXT. FORT VANCOUVER GATES – DAY
Leo, Zane, and others are all watching, as Grover enters through the gates, on a horse…
He climbs down, and begins walking toward his father, while pulling out his gun…
DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK – DAY
EXT. COLUMBIA RIVER – DAY
Grover and a handful of men are in a boat, cruising the river, and docking over on the Vancouver side, around the same area that Leo's team had originally tried to dock, but were swarmed by huffs. This time, as Grover and his men go over the top of the river bank, they only find a few random huffs. They cross the highway, and into the field, with Fort Vancouver directly ahead of them…
Dissolve to them inside the Fort, hopping onto horses, along with Bryson and others, and as Colonel Davis watches them all travel outside the gates, and riding through a barricaded passageway…
Dissolve to them still on the passageway, which is blockaded by random vehicles on each side. They reach the campus gates, as guards with radios are there waiting for them, and allowing them through…
Dissolve to them riding onto the campus, with cheers from tons of random people, and the sight of huff Ace, strapped to a post in the center of the campus…
Eventually, Grover comes to Jessica, Antonia, Jamie, Keysha, and a few others next to a carriage with horses, and smiling as they await Grover, who comes right over, climbs off his horse, and gives Antonia (handing her kitten (little bigger) to Jessica) the most amazing hug ever, as Jessica watches with a big smile…
Then Grover takes notice of Abby, and grabs her from Jessica, holding her as he places an arm around Jessica, while handing the cat back to Antonia.
GROVER
Things look good here. (Looking at her) You look good…
JESSICA
(smiling)
Things are good here. Your plans are working perfectly,
and life here is…just that, life. We've built a home here…
a community. (Looking at him) You look good, too.
GROVER
I am…I have a difficult relationship with my father, but
he is now living at the beach camp I told you about, and
I'm considering having a very interesting conversation
with him. And that compound I told you about, (shaking
head) I haven't had the honor of meeting my father's
niece, but she was missing for like a month, but returned
safely to her family.
JESSICA
That's amazing! But…how have you not met your own
cousin?
GROVER
It's a long story…(looking at her with a smile) But maybe
you're the one person I can trust sharing it with. (she
smiles at him) I like talking with you…
Dissolve to Grover again in a boat, with others, and docking at that same place, and going through the same routine of arriving at Fort Vancouver, hopping on horses, and riding to the campus, but this time he does not look so happy…
Dissolve to him arriving on the campus, not taking as much time to be celebrated/greeted by random others, just searching for Jessica. Once finding her, he finds the energy to give Antonia a hug, and a pat on the head for her cat. Jessica's smile fades, while taking notice of Grover's unsettled mood…
Dissolve to Grover and Jessica inside one of the school buildings, talking in private.
GROVER
They arrived in a freaking helicopter, without warning,
and took my father back to Seattle with them!
JESSICA
Did you tell him the truth?
GROVER
It's complicated…and now I'm worried I will never
see him again.
Jessica looks concerned, and gives him a hug…
Dissolve to Grover again in the boat (wintery weather, rain), again docking in the same place, and going through that same routine. This time he looks like a man that no one should mess with, as he hops on his horse at Fort Vancouver and rides away without a single word. Colonel Davis watches him, with a look of concern…
Dissolve to Grover riding his horse through the campus, without acknowledging anyone, as they watch him with concern…
Dissolve to him in Steve's house, alone with Jessica, as she tries to keep him calm.
GROVER
I have to do something. I have to please my grandfather,
or I will never see Leo again. I have to make a move!
JESSICA
I'm worried about you, Grover. You are showing
tendencies that have me very concerned.
Grover just stares at her, with the desire to confide in her…
GROVER
There is one thing I have kept from you, and I'm not
sure I can fight it any longer. I've watched my father
lose that fight, which led to him in that damn helicopter.
JESSICA
What fight are you referring to?
Grover just staring at the ground…
JESSICA
Have you or your father even been diagnosed with anything?
Grover looks up at her, with tears in his eyes, as his mother, Mary, comes into his vision, standing behind Jessica…
Dissolve to just under a dozen vehicles speeding through the gates of Glenwood, and going East on Highway 26…
Dissolve to those vehicles speeding Highway 6…
Dissolve to those vehicles speeding into Portland, where tons of huffs and abandoned vehicles begin to slow them down…
Dissolve to multiple intense scenes where Grover, Toast, Grill, and about 50 others are fighting their way through huff city, and at times are moving abandoned vehicles out of their path…
Dissolve to them in their vehicles, on 1-5, heading for the Interstate Bridge (crosses over to Vancouver, WA). There are huffs everywhere, as they get out and fight, and again have to move abandoned vehicles, all while killing huffs. One of the men trying to push a vehicle, is attacked and bitten by a huff…
They fight their way through it, and begin crossing the bridge, and onto Highway 14, which leads them directly to Fort Vancouver, where they drive off the road and speed directly for the Fort…
Dissolve to Toast and Grill, and about 40 others, catching their breath while entering a building at the campus. They are all bloody and worn out from fighting their way through Portland, and their numbers have decreased…
Dissolve to Grover, at Steve's house, in complete hysterics/tears, as Jessica holds him tightly…
JESSICA
You are home, Grover. You are home…
DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME
EXT. FORT VANCOUVER – DAY
Grover pulling out his gun, walking directly to Leo, and handing the gun to him. Leo just stares at his son, then the gun, and leaves it in Grover's hand…
GROVER
Take it… Take it!
Jessica looking frightened.
LEO
I don't need the gun, son.
GROVER
(emotional)
Don't call me that. I don't deserve to be called that.
I was raised to hate you, then confused when that
woman told me to trust you, if I could get you away
from your family, which I spent so much time trying
to do. I played with your disease, like she did, right up
until I discovered I struggle with that same illness…
but I gave into it, and did things I can't take back.
LEO
Things you can be forgiven for… We know who cut
his throat, Anthony.
GROVER
Don't call me that!
A look from both Zane and Dakota. Toast and Grill coming in close to Leo and Grover.
TOAST
Not only was this man not the one who cut his throat,
he was forgiven by your father, before it happened.
Grover was devastated by what that bitch did. (looking
right at Leo) It's damn good to see you, Leo. I follow your
son like I follow you.
Grill nodding his head. Leo nodding at him and Toast, and then a look at this son.
LEO
That says it all…doesn't it?
GROVER
(emotionally shaking head)
It does not… I am still the reason he was killed…(getting
louder) I hurt your people, (even louder) your family,
(emotional and louder) my family! (yelling) I SHOT A GOD
DAMN ROCKET AT YOUR DOOR! AND I GOT HIM KILLED!
Leo tries to grab him, but Grover fights him away.
GROVER
IT'S THE LAST THING I SEE BEFORE I SLEEP, AND THE
FIRST THING WHEN I WAKE! (right in Leo's face) AND
I SEE IT IN YOU! (looking at Zane/family) ALL of you!
Jessica has tears, as she reaches for Grover, and takes him into her arms. Leo, Zane, and others just staring…
Grover fights back the tears and emotion, as he walks away with Jessica. She takes him straight over to his horse, where they chat for several moments, before she hugs him tightly, and watches him climb on and ride away…
She turns back toward Leo and the others, and approaches them…
LEO
Where is he going?
Jessica looks at Toast and Grill, who then give Leo a look, who motions for them to go with Grover, as they do…
JESSICA
Grover has told me everything, and even shared his
copies of all your newsletters. I'm not just his girlfriend,
I'm his wife, as we committed ourselves to each other,
just last July 4th. I'm also his physiatrist. I can tell you with
absolute confidence that he is happy and healthy. He
takes his medication daily, and the progress he has made
since the beginning of the year, is something you should
all be proud of…
LEO
Then why isn't he telling us this himself?
JESSICA
He just told you… You all take him back to that day, and
those kinds of thoughts that once raced in his head. I will
work on him, because I have been telling him from the
beginning, to reveal himself to you all. He just has too
much guilt, for now, to be around you…but with that said,
he's willing to take steps. He wants proof that your
community is healing, and he wants it in the form of you
getting back to normal life, and to read all about it in your
newsletters.
Jessica eyeing them all…
JESSICA
What I personally take from that, is that he feels guilty
for the way you all feel. For the lifestyle his actions took
from you. He wants to eventually be in your lives, and
to know he had a hand in you getting back to normal…
Leo approaching her…
LEO
You are a very special young lady, (placing hand out)
and I am so happy my son has himself a woman like
you at his side.
She ignores his hand and goes in for a hug.
JESSICA
I'm thrilled to meet my father-in-law! (coming out of
hug) There is more… You have a grandchild…a step-
grandchild. We would like her to come visit you, and
your compound. She too, has read all your newsletters,
and would like to meet Griffey, Trisha, and Ashley. She
relates to their story, (teary-eyed) and is the bravest
little girl we have ever known. She is also very interested
to meet Samantha, and wants to learn to someday be the
same kind of writer that she is. I believe she wants to one
day write her own articles, for that newsletter.
Dakota emotionally blown-away, and coming over to give Jessica a hug…
DAKOTA
You are too good to be true. Welcome to our family.
Zane a shake of his head, as he comes over for a hug…
ZANE
I can't wait to meet this young lady, and Samantha
will absolutely take her under her wing. Thank you
for helping my brother.
JESSICA
Thank you for forgiving him…and I was not lying
about that softball team!
Zane smiling at her. She looks over at Cleo, next to Dakota, and nods/smiles at her…
CLEO
Hi, I'm Cleo.
Cleo passes on giving her a hug.
JESSICA
Hi, Cleo.
Suddenly, there is intense radio chatter, and Colonel Davis racing over to his soldiers, before coming back over and looking at Leo…
COLONEL DAVIS
I guess you weren't bluffing about your family. Perhaps
you would like to go up on the wall and let them see you
are okay?
Dissolve to Leo reaching the top of the wall, looking out across the field, as a handful of hummers, come speeding toward the Fort. The Beaverton police hummer is also there, as well as trucks loaded with man and firepower. Mason is leading all the fighters of the compound. Kemp leads the fighters of Glenwood. Harris and the fighters of Nike World are also there, as is Dylan and a team from the beach camp…
They all stop in front of the Fort, as they pile out of their vehicles. Mason, Chasin, Gunner, Wyatt, Rich, Scout, Solis, Jennifer, Catherine, Jaelyn, Mayday, and Gia all climb out, (with guns and in bulletproof vests) looking up at Leo, as are all the others…
Davis hands him a blowhorn…
LEO
(through blowhorn)
Come on over around to the gates. Everything's good,
we're among friends.
Dissolve to Mason driving his hummer into the Fort, followed by a couple others. POV of part of their army still parked over on the side, and then back inside to where all those same family members, along with Kemp, Lester, Harris, Bonnie, Dylan, and a handful of others are looking all around the fort, and at Leo, Zane, and the others, as well as the Colonel and all the Fort Vancouver people…
Dissolve to most of them shaking hands, to Leo and Zane speaking with Mason, to Mayday shaking hands with Colonel Davis, and introducing him to Gia and his other soldiers, who all shake hands with the Colonel's soldiers. Harris comes out of a hug with her sister, followed by being introduced to the Colonel, both her and her sister shaking his hand. Scout hugs Zane, and smiles at him. Stix shakes hands with Kemp. Dakota shares hugs with Gunner and Chasin…
Dissolve to Toast, Grill, and others riding horses through the gates, followed by a carriage, carrying Jamie, Keysha, Antonia, and her cat (fully grown)…
Dissolve to Jessica introducing Antonia to Leo, who gives her a big hug, as does Zane, and all the other Bakers…
Jessica watches with teary eyes…
She turns to look at Leo, who smiles at her…
LEO
She will be safe and loved at the compound, and able
to return whenever she wants…or maybe she'll just
wait for Mom and Dad to join her.
He smiles at her…
JESSICA
Small steps…give it time.
LEO
I get it…
JESSICA
He does also want you to know that his name, Anthony,
came from his mother, and her father…and that Grover
came from him…and the part of his life in which he tried
to be someone else…the someone he considers himself to
be today… He said he's proud of the myth of Forest Grover,
and how Zane used that name to continue the legend.
He's proud of the role it plays in what you all have built…
Leo places a hand over her shoulder…
LEO
Then you tell him, Grover it is, and that that part of
the forest will always be what he visioned it to be…and
that he'll read all about it, in the next Monthly Forester.
Leo smiling at her, and then looking at Zane and Mason, who heard their conversation…
He leans down close to her.
LEO
You have to keep this between just you and him, but
please tell him we got the bitch…and that she's suffering
a fate much worse than death…hence it being top secret…
Leo sharing an approving nod with Jessica, who gives him one more hug, actually happy to hear about Jordan being dealt with…
Dissolve to Leo tossing Antonia into one of the hummers…
Dissolve to the hummers all exiting the Fort…
Dissolve to the hummers meeting on the side with the other hummers, and the rest of the army, as they all begin driving away, from Fort Vancouver…
BLACK
CREDITS
THE END