Above the Walking Dead Chapter 9: Season 2, Episode 3 (Riders on the Storm, a walking dead fanfic

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Season 2, Episode 3

"Riders on the Storm"

INTRO

BLACK...

FADE IN:

EXT. SSH WIFFLEBALL FIELD - EVENING

A pitcher from the mound throws a heater, right down the middle, as Fish swings and misses.

DISSOLVE TO:

Pitcher throwing another fastball, this time Fish watches it go by.

UMPIRE

Outside! We got 1-1 (count).

ZANE

(off-screen)

Good eye, baby!

DISSOLVE TO:

Pitcher throwing a curveball, Fish swings and nails it up the middle (in between the two infielders). He runs safely to first base, as Zane and others can be heard cheering (as well as fans from the stands and hotel balconies, hundreds of them!).

POV Zane at dugout, with Greg, Jagger, Miles and three others. Chasin is clapping his hands from the third base coaches box, Troy is walking to the on deck circle, as Wyatt walks to the plate.

ZANE

That a baby, Fish! Way to play this game like the kid

you are!

GREG

Way to get that leadoff man on, baby!

MILES

(excited)

Here we go, kid! Two to tie, and three to take this thing home!

Scene dissolves as POV goes over the stands (hundreds of fans), over the ball field (1 pitcher, 2 infielders on each side of diamond, 3 outfielders), and over the fans on the rightfield beach area, and in the pool (all cheering)...

DISSOLVE TO:

Wyatt swinging, and hitting the ball up the middle. It's picked up by the shortstop infielder, who runs to second base, tagging it (before Fish does) and quickly firing the ball to the pitcher, who catches it like a first basemen (they play pitcher mound out rules).

UMPIRE

Out at second; safe at first!

DISSOLVE TO:

Troy swinging, and ripping a ball to the gap in right centerfield. It splits the outfielders and rolls to the fence, as the crowd cheers. Chasin is holding his hands up in the air (for the runner, Wyatt, to stop at 3rd base), as Wyatt rounds 3rd, stopping and watching the ball. Troy hustles into second, pumping his fist and yelling to his teammates at the dugout.

TROY

YEEEAAH, BABY! (holding up hands!)

Zane is approaching the plate, as he and others behind him, at dugout, are all pumped and cheering...

FISH

This is all you, Zane. We've waited seven years for this, baby!

DISSOLVE TO:

The pitcher throwing a heater to Zane, who swings and drives one deep to leftfield. His family/teammates (in background) throw up their hands. Zane runs hard. Both Wyatt and Troy take steps forward, with hands going in air, as the leftfielder runs out of room, and watches the ball fly into the hands of fans on their balconies, cheering. The crowd erupts. Zane's hands go in air, as he rounds the bases, his teammates at the plate are jumping up and down, waiting for him.

Fireworks begin blowing up, over the field and above the Hotel. The other players hang their heads as they walk off the field. An announcer comes over the stadium speakers.

ANNOUNCER

That is the first ever walk off, Sand Series Championship

victory, in League history! Also, for the first time in League

history, the Rip City Rippers and League founders, are your

4th of July Classic, Sand Series Champions! Congratulations,

Rip City!

Zane crosses the plate, as they all go crazy. They could not be any more happy or excited, and proud of their efforts. Grandpa Sam is in the dugout, with Samantha, who begins running out to Fish, with a giant hug. Then Zane instantly picks her up, high in the air, as she screams with joy.

SAMANTHA

(yelling)

SAND SERIES CHAMPIONS! We finally did it!

Grandpa Sam is smiling, with a tear. He flashes to a time before the Hotel, when the kids were young and playing wiffleball, on the beach. Some of them were hanging their heads, as the other half celebrated like champions. About twenty friends and family members, watch and cheer...

Grandpa Sam comes out of flash, with his smile and tear, and continues to watch his proud family, celebrate like children...

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, and then to 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, 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, and 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 land, before coming to the Columbia River, traveling west, and under the Megler bridge, into the ocean. It continues along the shoreline, past Astoria, the Haystack Rock of Cannon Beach, coming to a pair of Jetties, and through them, up into the nearby hills, and over a large camp in the hills, 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…

CUT TO: (present time)

EXT. COLUMBIA RIVER - DAY

Sam and all the others on the river, rowing along.

It's like your Grandpa takes images of Heaven, and creates

them into real life... No wonder he's so loaded.

ELI

I played there before, but never in one of the tournaments

or the League.

SAM

(while placing her fingers in carrier, checking on Bailey)

League is sixteen and over, but they have weekend tourneys

during the off season, for kids... Had...

They all pause a few moments...

It's one thing that you have a compound, but I still can't

believe you're the people who made the Sand Series

Hotel. That place was amazing.

SAM

Grandpa always dreamed of making more, along the

beaches of every state, maybe even the states without

beaches.

It was getting huge in Oregon. That's so cool, your family

actually won it all. I was there in 09, I remember thinking

my boys and I could never field a team, worthy of beating

those two squads.

SAM

My cousins are crazy good. My dad was a tough southpaw

with nasty junk. But it took even them, seven years to win it all.

BENNY

Was it only family on their team?

SAM

The lineup was all family. Chasin only pitched, my dad was

the DH, and they had three other friends, who were pitchers.

Including the DH, they had seven in the lineups, and six on

defense. Pitcher mound outs at first and home, but you

had to touch second and third for the force outs, there.

I think that's how it worked?

SAM

Sounds right...

ELI

When we all die, soon...they better have a Sand

Series Hotel in Heaven!

Sam just turns around, trying to give Eli a dirty, annoyed look, but can't help but to start laughing, like DJ and Benny do...

SAM

You like sports, Renee?

Renee simply shaking her head...

Ping pong is the only thing I ever got her interested in,

and she was Forrest Gump good!

SAM

She will have to prove that to me, some day.

Sam smiles at Renee, then looks back to DJ...

SAM

Ever heard of Wall Pong?

Wall Pong?

SAM

My cousins own an entire block of pubs, in the city. It's

called the Baker Boardwalk.

BENNY

I like that. I take it, that's your last name?

SAM

(nodding)

One of the pubs is called Basement Wall Pong. It's ping

pong, but with wall shots. It's fun to watch! They have

huge tournaments, and run edited videos of them on

the boardwalk website, some of them even live. It

makes a ton of money for the compound. Grandpa

started it all.

BENNY

Your Grandpa and Walt Disney sound like twins,

separated at birth. What an amazing man!

ELI

Speaking of Walt Disney, (looking at Sam) tell them

about that Land of the Great North West, or whatever

it was called.

Sam anxious to speak, but she notices Renee pointing, and begins staring in silence, the direction in which Renee is looking. Everyone else begins staring...

Eventually you see about a dozen experienced kayakers, passing right by, without a word, just a nod or two. Sam and them just stare, as the group goes by...and then begin to stare at each other...

DISSOLVE TO:

Sam and all of them, floating by, as they stare in silence at a small herd of huffs, along the shoreline. The huffs spot them, and begin walking into the water...

DISSOLVE TO:

Sam and all of them, rowing down river. Renee points to huffs, who are already in the water. Some of them are stuck, others are going deeper, once they see the kayakers. They get in water over their heads, and begin floating away, some of them sinking.

Both Sam and Eli begin staring at the water, all around them...

DISSOLVE TO:

Sam and them, rowing down river. They can see people on the shoreline, watching them row by...

DISSOLVE TO:

Sam looking tired, as they all continue to row...

Suddenly, they flinch as gunshots are heard. They all look around, no one can see anything, or anyone. A couple more shots are fired. Still no one can see where they're coming from. They hear some screams, and more shots...

DISSOLVE TO:

Sam and them, rowing down river. Renee points, as they all look. A dead body is floating, not too far away. It's face down in the water. They row away from it, while peeking at the water all around them...

DISSOLVE TO:

Sam and them, rowing down river. Benny is quizzically looking at the hazy sky, ahead. Renee is closing her eyes, off and on. Sam is taking a break from rowing, simply staring silently into the water...

Sam slowly begins to notice something falling on or near her face. she looks outward, and then upward...

SAM

Is it...snowing?

They all look around, and take notice of the falling flakes, only they are not flakes...

BENNY

It's ash...

DISSOLVE TO:

Renee begins pointing, Sam and others looking. Their view up ahead, of smoke rising, as something appears to be burning.

As they get closer, they can tell it looks much bigger than a simple house or two. It's getting bigger and bigger...

SAM

We'll be safe...on the water, right?

They all have eerie expressions, as they watch the sky become darker and darker, with smoke...

DISSOLVE TO:

Sam and the others, rowing close to the opposite side of the river, from the fire, as it burns fiercely, on the other side. It's a forest fire, burning homes and trees. Conditions are extremely smoky.

BENNY

I know you guys are tired, but we need to give it our

best, right now.

They all begin rowing with all their might, to reach better breathing conditions...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. BONNEVILLE DAM - EVENING

Everyone is absolutely exhausted, as they tiredly row toward land, near the Bonneville dam...

There is still smoky/hazy conditions behind them, but they are past the danger...

DJ and Benny begin climbing out of the kayaks, and pulling them in and onto shore. DJ then grabs Eli and Sam's kayak, and pulls them in. He begins helping them out. Sandy excitedly jumps out and runs off to use the ladies room. Sam is grabbing Bailey's carrier, and bringing him to shore with her. Renee is going after Sandy...

Unfortunately, no time to rest. We need to hike over to

the other side of the dam.

DISSOLVE TO:

Those guys dragging their Kayaks/supplies, and coming to a secure location at the shoreline, on other side of the dam...

Sandy runs off.

RENEE

Sandy, come back!

Sandy stops and barks a couple times. Everyone stops what they're doing, and looks direction of her barks. They can see another group, about a dozen adults. It's the same people who passed them on the river. They've already set camp, and are sitting around a fire. They're looking back at them...

ELI

What do we do?

DJ grabs and places a pistol on his backside. Eli has his gun, Sam is moving toward kayak, and grabbing her gun. One of the men from the other group rises, as does another, and they both begin walking toward them.

ELI

DJ, what do we do?

Nobody panic, stay totally calm...and shoot their asses off,

if they pull guns on us.

Eli braces, Sam looks nervous, Benny has his hand on his pistol, in his pocket...

Sandy lets the two men arrive at her, patting her on the head as they walk by...

I think they're friendly...but be ready. (looks directly at Eli)

But be careful.

Renee patting her leg, as Sandy approaches back her direction. Sam and Eli eyeing the men, as they approach. Benny and DJ begin taking a few steps toward them, as they begin to arrive.

MAN

Hello, there. I'm hoping you folks are as scared of us

as we are of you?

Man arrives and offers his hand, as DJ shakes it. Other man shaking with Benny.

MAN

I'm Thomas; this is Ryan.

(now shaking Ryan's hand)

I'm DJ; this is Benny. (Benny shaking with Thomas)

THOMAS

We saw the kids, and figured we'd roll the dice and take

our chances. You seem like decent folks.

We are, but have been through hell, especially the kids.

(looking right at the kids) If you can even call them that,

anymore, after what they've been through...

RYAN

I can imagine...even though I don't want to.

THOMAS

Well, we'll leave you guys to it. Just wanted to introduce

ourselves, and let you guys know we won't be any trouble,

for you.

Appreciate it.

THOMAS

(while walking off)

We'll be leaving at first light; good luck to you folks.

Where you guys heading?

THOMAS

Washougal... We have some land, in the hills. Private,

and worthy of surviving.

DJ gives Sam a look...

We have a compound...a multimillion dollar, one.

Thomas and Ryan stop walking...

THOMAS

Where?

SAM

Tillamook Forest. It's my families...

THOMAS

(shaking his head)

Can't reach that destination by river, not to mention going

through the city. I take it, you're extending us the offer of

joining you there, if we travel with you?

DJ nodding with a shrug, and look at Thomas...

THOMAS

An offer I believe we'd decline. (begins walking again) I'll talk

it over with the others, and return if they disagree, but just

sounds too dangerous, compared to Washougal.

Sam suddenly looks worried, knowing that danger alone, was reason for the others not to join them. DJ takes notice of Sam.

I hope you didn't mind me doing that, Sam? We'd just be a

lot safer in a big group like that. If I knew how chicken

shit they were, I would have never offered.

DJ and Sam, sharing a smile...

BENNY

Well (holding a pole)...let's catch some supper.

Benny hands a pole to DJ, and another to Sam, as scene begins dissolving.

ELI

Did you just say, supper?

Sam kind of laughing, as she opens the carrier for Bailey, who slowly comes out...

DISSOLVE TO:

Everyone finishing off their "supper", next to the fire. The camp is set up behind them. Bailey is in Sam's lap, eating some fish that Sam feeds him. Eli begins to rise, stretching.

ELI

Oh my god, I've had sore arms before, after pitching, but

there is not a part of me, that does not ache.

SAM

I know! I used to laugh at my dad, complaining after

basketball or the Sand Series, about his old man parts.

My parts are young, but they sure don't feel like it!

BENNY

He must have been pretty young when he had you, to

still be running around in the sand, playing a kids game?

SAM

He retired after that championship. I've seen videos of him

in his younger days, and even before the hotel was built,

when it was just family against family.

ELI

Were they ever close to winning it, before last summer?

SAM

They were a couple runs away, from making the

Championship, in 08. That's as close as they ever got...

DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK

EXT. SSH WIFFLEBALL FIELD - NIGHT

Fish (couple years younger) windups, from the pitcher mound, and throws a nasty curveball, swung on and missed by the hitter. Fans cheer, as Fish and his teammates hustle off the field. Zane coming in from Leftfield.

POV goes over the field, up the first base side, and up to a fancy balcony, where Leo stands cheering. He sits back down, next to Mary. Kate and a couple of her friends are in the background.

LEO

Fish is showing his age, this year. I thought he was

going to shut these guys down, and take us straight

to the Championship. Now we got to get some damn

runs...

DISSOLVE TO:

Troy hits the ball to leftfield, for a base hit. Greg comes into score, as Jagger rounds 3rd base. The leftfielder throws to the pitcher, who catches the ball at the mound, just before Jagger touches home.

UMP

(with enthusiasm)

He's out, at the plate!

Zane was near the plate (with bat in hand), showing disappointment in the out.

UMPIRE

We have two down. That is the tying run at 3rd, and the

winning run at 2nd. Play ball!

Zane steps up to the plate.

FISH

Come on, Zane! Put us there, baby!

POV Leo, Mary, Kate and her friends, all standing.

KATE

That would have tied it. Winning run would have been

at 3rd, with 1 out.

FRIEND

Zane's going to win it, right here.

LEO

He flakes under pressure.

MARY

This guy's already struck him out once today.

LEO

(talking only loud enough for him and Mary)

He won't strikeout, no. He's got my blood in him, after

all. He'll hit it hard, but just miss it. Either pop it straight

up, or a tailor-made fly ball to the wall.

Kate and her friends cheering.

KATE

Come on, Zane!

Fish stands on 3rd base, while Wyatt claps his hands from 2nd base, and Troy at 1st base.

TROY

Right here, Zane! Time to flip the script!

The pitcher begins winding up, and throws the pitch. Zane thinks about swinging, but holds back.

UMPIRE

Nope, outside. Ball 1.

The ump throws the ball (no catcher), back to the pitcher.

Greg is on deck, with others behind him, cheering from dugout.

GREG

Way to lay off it, kid! Now get your pitch, and put us

in the Sand Series, baby!

Pitcher begins winding up, and throws the pitch. Zane swings and hits it hard, and deep to left. He looks hopeful, for a split second, before angered, as he runs toward first base and watches. The leftfielder easily gets under the ball (with back almost against homer fence/hotel balcony), and makes the catch.

He raises his arms and immediately begins charging toward the infield, to celebrate with his teammates.

Zane drops to the sand, hanging his head...

Leo is looking down toward Zane.

LEO

(muttering)

God Damn it, son...you guys had it...

Fish is slowly arriving to Zane, who is still hanging his head, in the sand. Fish puts a hand on his shoulder.

FISH

I know...it stings like hell. It's what makes you a true

competitor...

Zane looking up, and over at the other team, celebrating...

ZANE

That was supposed to be us...

DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME

EXT. SHORELINE CAMP - NIGHT

Dark (little moonlight) with sound of people sleeping...

Suddenly, there is some panic beginning, from the other camp. It gets louder, and Sandy begins barking.

(too dark to see him)

What's happening?!

SAM

What?

Benny turns on a flashlight, as both DJ and Eli get to their feet.

Something's happening to the other group!

Flashlights at the other camp are going everywhere, as DJ and them, all just kind of look and listen, while at the same time reaching for guns, bats and flashlights.

Sandy begins going toward the commotion.

BENNY/RENEE

Sandy! (Sandy stops)

ELI

Do we go over there?

DJ thinking...then looks/speaks to Benny.

Please stay here, with Sam and my sister.

Benny nods, as DJ and Eli begin walking over that direction. Eli shines light.

Turn your light off. Be safer if we're not seen, depending

on what's happening.

They carefully work their way over there. Eventually they come to hear the sound of at least one huff. They don't seem as afraid now, especially Eli, who turns on his light, readies his bat and confidently begins approaching other group.

DJ turns on his light, and catches up with Eli. The other group appears calmer, but focused, as they mostly group together, with plenty of excitement.

Some of them, take notice of Eli and DJ arriving. Some of them, take notice of not only the bat in Eli's hand, but the spear and gun in DJ's. They begin clearing out of their way...

They reach the middle, where Thomas, Ryan and four other guys, work hard to take down/secure two different huffs. They beat on them with paddles. One huff gets close to biting one of them, as Ryan uses his paddle, to knock the huff down/away. They have no idea how to kill them.

ELI

Oh my god, you people are ridiculous!

Eli simply walking right through the men, and blasting the 1st huff, with one shot to the brain, from his bat. All it takes is one more swing, to smash in the other huff's brain.

The entire group now stands there, staring at Eli and the dead huffs, in total awe. Eli looks at them, then to the dead huffs, and back to them...

ELI

You're welcome.

Eli walks away...

They all stare, including DJ...who then turns toward the others, who are now looking back at him.

It's gotta be the brain...it's the only way to...kill them.

Everyone looks from DJ, to the dead huffs...

DISSOLVE TO:

DJ arriving back at his camp, with Eli already there...

The day we met, you told me about having anxiety...

(just looking at him) What happened to that?

ELI

I grew out of it...

DJ looking at Sam...

Is he okay?

SAM

Not even close.

ELI

Should I be more like those people? Scared and weak?

Did you see the way they were looking at me? I feel guilty

over how great that makes me feel...yet at the same

time, it's the only thing really keeping me going...

Others just looking at Eli...DJ nodding...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. SHORELINE CAMP - DAWN

DJ and Eli taking down the camp, while Benny, Sam and Renee are fishing. A pair of couples (holding hands), from the other camp, are approaching...

MAN (PAUL)

Hello, there... We wanted to thank you guys for your

assistance, last night. I'm Paul, this is my wife, Tami. That's

Noah, and his wife, Marlana... Thomas told us of your

offer. They're all leaving soon, but after seeing how well

you guys appear to have adapted to this new world, the

four of us were hoping to go with you, to this compound of

yours?

DJ a smile and look at Sam, who is turned around, looking at the new people (while holding her fishing pole), and smiling back at DJ.

Absolutely...and for the record, the "guy" who assisted

you last night, is actually a kid. He's only thirteen, and

(motioning toward Sam) Sam, over there, whose family

owns that compound, is only ten. She too is very capable

of handling herself. The shy one is my sister, Renee. She's

the team lookout. (motioning toward Benny) Benny and I,

hell we're only still here, cause they keep us safe.

Paul, Tami, Noah and Marlana all smiling...

TAMI

(looking at Eli)

Wow, only thirteen, huh? It was amazing how you handled

yourself, last night. I take it you've encountered a lot of

those?

Don't even ask. I myself don't even know everything,

but what I do know, is enough...

The new members, with empathetic looks toward Sam and Eli, who look away...

PAUL

We'd heard about what was happening, but didn't see it

with our own eyes, until going down river. Last night was

the first time, up close...

NOAH

We didn't even know there was a way to put them down.

PAUL

And you're sure the brain is the only way?

ELI

Before my brother died, he cut one's head off, even tried

to drown it. Nothing worked...

PAUL

So, that's where you get it from...(Eli just looking at him)

That was a compliment, son.

ELI

Thanks, but I'm not half the person, he was.

Maybe not yet, but you're on your way.

ELI

I'm only alive, because of him...(looks/motions at Sam)

We both are.

SAM

Because of all of them...

Everyone again with empathetic looks, at the kids...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. SHORELINE CAMP - DAY

The camp completely put away, and packed up in kayaks (2 new kayaks now present). Everyone is finishing up breakfast, and packing up final supplies. The other group, can be seen in the background, kayaking down river...

DJ has a plastic baggie of leftover fish, he's tying to the kayak, leaving baggie of fish in the water.

Last call for bathroom... Everyone set?

Sam placing Bailey inside carrier, as Renee watches...

RENEE

I'm so glad he doesn't run away.

SAM

I know. I had a feeling about him, though. He's calmer

than most other cats.

Sam sticking her finger in cage, comforting him. Paul approaches DJ...

PAUL

We were talking it over, and both Tami and Marlana, are

well experienced and willing to kayak together. That

would leave Noah and I, to pair with the kids. That

divides the experience, and only speeds up our trip.

DJ looking at Sam, who is shaking her head, as DJ hesitates to answer...

Tami approaches...

TAMI

I know we're still strangers, to you. All I can tell you, is

that even though we haven't experienced the kind of

things that all of you have, we have suffered loss. Paul

and I, have a daughter, who means the world to us. She

lives...or lived...in San Francisco with her husband and

our grandchild, Kaitlin... Even if they are still out there...

somewhere...how would we ever find them...or them

us? I spend almost every waking moment trying to

answer that question. (shaking head) I don't know...

maybe surviving at your compound, is a start. (looking

right at Sam) We're no threat to you, sweet children.

Having my husband and our good friend Noah, in those

kayaks with you...is our way of contributing...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. COLUMBIA RIVER - DAY

Paul is kayaking with Sam, Noah is paired with Eli, Renee smiles as Sandy playfully barks at her, from Benny's kayak. Both Tami and Marlana smile, as they row past the barking dog. They are all moving at a faster speed than they did the day before...

The scenery is beautiful. There are waterfalls. There are small islands, full of trees and beaches. The birds are flying by, life no different for them. It's almost hard to imagine life is the way it is. Everything out there is so peaceful...

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. CAR - NIGHT

A car full of teenagers, laughing as they drive along. The driver gets a text and looks down at her phone. She smiles and looks back up at the road, for a quick moment. She then spends several moments looking/typing on her phone.

Headlights begin shining on her face. She looks up as a car honks, and all her friends scream, as does she, just before impact.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. COLUMBIA RIVER - DAY

Sam in her kayak, with a tear running down her face...

MARLANA

He was only nine, when it happened. The teenagers in the

other car, were all fine. I guess their karma comes another

way. I spent the first few months, simply trying to survive.

The next few months, I spent thinking about providing that

karma. (smiling at her husband) Eventually, I realized I still

had at least one great reason to go on.

NOAH

It's the only thing that got me through it, too...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - NIGHT

Player running with football, as he is tackled by opponents, with fans cheering.

Offensive players from sideline running out onto field, as defensive players come in, taking their place on the sideline.

PLAYER

(patting his teammate, as they come off the field)

That a baby! Way to take advantage of your playing time.

OTHER PLAYER

Gotta love a good team virus!

Both players stop in their tracks, staring over toward the stands, where the sound of mass commotion is growing. Their POV of fans scattering, eventually the entire stand of fans, are rising, panicking and running. Most go around, or right toward and onto football field. Those who aren't running, are simply waiting and watching. Football players are doing the same.

Once people are out of the way, everyone can see a person, on the ground, ripping flesh off the body of a dead person, and eating. Some people scream, while some, including football players, begin slowly approaching the "attacker". As some of them get closer, the huff eventually rises, and takes a step their direction.

Some of them stop, but many of the football players look angry, and ready to fight. As they get closer, the dead person on the ground, suddenly comes to life, and rises to her feet. Now everyone turns and scatters, mass commotion as people go fleeing from the scene...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. COLUMBIA RIVER - DAY

Sam staring at Paul, as he rows and talks.

PAUL

At least that's how Thomas said his son explained it. Once

some of the others, began getting similar stories, of the

dead coming back, we knew it wasn't an exaggeration, as

we'd speculated at first. Even seeing it on the river banks,

I don't think it was until last night, that I fully believed it.

Anyhow, that's why we avoided making this trip, to

Washougal, as long as we could. Until it appeared things

weren't improving, on their own.

Silence for awhile, as they row along...

SAM

It's gonna get better...eventually... That's what my

grandpa was born for...

DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK

INT. BASEMENT WALL PONG - NIGHT

It's a ping pong themed pub, with a bar on the main level, and eight different railed areas, with views of basement rooms, with ping pong tables, next to basement walls. Webcams hang over the areas, capturing all the game action.

There are games going on in each and every room. There are fans (with drinks) watching and cheering from above, as well as below. You can see several shots of players, using the wall to hit the ball off of, and back onto the other side of the table.

Eventually you come to see Zane, on one side of a pong table, in the middle of an intense game, against someone else. The other player hits a hard shot off the wall. Zane returns it. The other player goes off the wall again, but this time Zane is set up for a monster slam, which is exactly what he does, to the cheering of the fans, as he pumps his fist in victory. The other player is approaching with a smile, and a handshake.

Zane shares high-fives with a few others, while making his way over to another table. He begins watching, as his cousins Greg and Rich (Mason's son, 21), playing against each other. They are going back and forth, one amazing shot after another. Fans are cheering, and with added excitement, after Greg slams one on Rich, but somehow is returned, as the rally continues.

A few shots later. it's Rich who slams one on Greg, but this time, Greg is the one with an impossible return, but only to be slammed again, by Rich. Greg makes a great effort to return the shot, off the wall. It does indeed go off the wall, but too far, as it crosses over the table, landing on the floor.

RICH

Eight-six, baby!

ZANE

(as he pats Rich on back, and leaves for another room)

You guys are sick! I can't handle watching you do this,

for an entire game.

Zane leaves room, as Rich serves a nasty spinner shot, to Greg.

POV of their game, now coming from a computer monitor. They are again rallying back and forth, over and over, as POV pans back to Sam, watching (over the internet) from her bedroom, in her pajamas...

SAM

Gosh...you guys are just sick...

DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME

EXT. COLUMBIA RIVER - DAY

Paul rowing, as he looks and listens to Sam.

SAM

I have so many special memories, but those were some

of my very favorite. Staying up late on Friday nights,

watching my cousins in those tournaments.

ELI

Did they win those tournaments?

SAM

Sometimes, not always. Rich more than anyone else.

Greg too. Zane sometimes. Some professional came once.

We all thought Rich could beat him, cause it was his first

time playing with Wall Pong rules. Didn't happen, though.

He killed everyone.

I bet Renee could take him.

RENEE

I don't even know wall pong rules. I don't get it.

Well...something tells me that this compound we're

heading for, probably has wall pong. At least from the

way Sam has described it.

SAM

(nodding)

Everyone in the family contributed with creating what

Grandpa called, the recreational part of surviving the

apocalypse. Community events, sports, and things like

that. Even Christmas, will still exist at the compound.

RENEE

Wow, really?

SAM

(nodding, with a long face)

I don't know about this year... Maybe next year...

Some silence, as they row along...

BENNY

Maybe Christmas, this year, can be about the people

we've all lost or will never see again. Rather than giving

to each other, we can give honor, and thoughts to

those who are no longer with us.

TAMI

Amen...

More silence, as they row along...

SAM

I just want to see my moms, for Christmas... My

family... What's left of them...

More silence...

Sam can see Renee's attention is on something toward the shoreline. Sam turns to look. They all begin looking...

Their view of what looks like over twenty huffs, unaware of them (River is wide), and just walking down the highway road, in between all the abandoned cars...

More silence, as they continue to row...

ELI

You called it, DJ. Kayaking was definitely the way to go.

I just hope the weather stays good (cloud cover), and

my idea of a UPS truck, works out, and enough open

road to get us at least to Forest Grove. Would still be a

lot of ground to cover, from foot, but don't see there

being too many huffs to deal with, in the coast range.

People (shrugging)...

Some silence...

TAMI

Huffs?

DISSOLVE TO:

Sam yawning as she rows some, stops, begins again. Eli looking pretty tired himself...

ELI

Man, I didn't get sore until we stopped yesterday, but

I'm already feeling it, today.

Quit whining, ya big baby. I had to do this for five days

before we reached Astoria. Of course, we had music,

good food, warm tents, shorelines with waving people...

well...maybe some of them weren't waving, might have

been a middle finger or two, but there were definitely

no such things as huffs, back then...

Some silence...

MARLANA

Okay, seriously...what does huff stand for?

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. BASEBALL FIELD - DAY

Coach throwing batting practice pitch to Eli. Eli crushes it, players shagging in the outfield, are running back for it, and watching it fly over the homerun fence...

The coach throws another pitch, and again Eli crushes it, this time the outfielders don't even move, as they simply watch it fly way over the fence...

Eli takes another powerful swing, this time crushing a line drive grounder, that the infielders get out of the way of, rather than to try and snag...

Coach throws another pitch, and Eli sends another ball flying over the fence.

OUTFIELDER

(to player on other side of fence, retrieving the other 2 balls)

Another one, for ya...

DISSOLVE TO:

Eli pitching a blazing fastball from the mound, as the hitter swings and misses, and walks back toward dugout, as Eli and his teammates leave the field, toward their own dugout. Eli's parents, John and Saara, along with Rhett and Amy (about 6 months pregnant), are all next to his dugout, in the stands, cheering.

JOHN

Way to blow it by him, son!

AMY

Way to go, Eli!

RHETT

Throwing gas, baby brother!

COACH

(from dugout as players arrive)

We need base runners; let's get that top of the lineup, up

there with the winning run on base. Here we go, now!

Players pumped and cheering, as they enter the dugout. Some of them grabbing helmets. Eli standing against fence, watching...

DISSOLVE TO:

A pitch coming to the hitter, high and outside, as the hitter begins trotting toward first base.

UMPIRE

Ball 4.

Players are cheering, as another hitter comes to the plate. Eli is now wearing a helmet, and walking into the on deck circle. His teammates are cheering the hitter, but Eli just swings his bat, and watches.

The pitch comes in, hitter swings and lines a base hit to left centerfield. A runner comes in to score, as another, runs to 3rd base. With the outfielder throwing the ball to 3rd base, the guy who hit the ball now runs to second base, clapping and cheering.

PLAYER ON SECOND

Come on, Eli, baby!

Eli slowly heading to the plate. Fans and family, cheering behind him.

JOHN

You got this, Eli!

RHETT

Just relax, Eli. Get your pitch, now.

AMY

Deep breaths, Eli. Stay calm, buddy!

Eli steps into the batters box. He looks nervous and takes a deep breath. He watches as the pitcher nods, and begins winding up. The pitch comes, and Eli rips it hard, but foul.

JOHN

Straighten it out, son!

RHETT

Hey, hit me harder. huh? Little more patience up

there, buddy!

SAARA

Come on, Eli!

AMY

You can do this, Eli; I believe in you, buddy.

CUTE GIRL

You can do it, Eli!

Eli looks from his 3rd base coach, to the cute girl, next to a second cute girl. He steps back in the box. He watches the pitcher nod, and then throw a curveball at him. Eli buckles his knees, and watches it curve back over the plate.

UMPIRE

Strike 2!

JOHN

Ohh, I don't know, Blue!

RHETT

That's okay, Eli; stay in there, kid. Gotta be aggressive

now.

AMY

Relax, Eli...deep breaths.

Eli takes a deep breath, with a look from his 3rd base coach, and at the girls again. They are both clapping. He steps back in, taking another deep breath. The pitcher nods, and throws another curve, this time out of the zone, but Eli chases it. He strikes out. Slowly walking back, and hanging his head...

DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME

EXT. COLUMBIA RIVER - DAY

Noah listening/looking at Eli.

ELI

It feels like a lifetime ago... Put me back in that box, now,

and I'd hit that ball, like I hit huffs...with all the

confidence in the world...the way I hit in batting practice...

Silence, as they row...

Suddenly, someone is honking a car horn. They all turn to look. The person (guy) stops honking and runs outside the car, trying to grab their attention. He runs over near the shoreline, to a child. He picks up the little girl, holding her, for them all to see.

Sam looks to DJ...

I...I don't know what we can do?

BENNY

I could make room, for them.

ELI

It could be a trick.

They are not rowing, but drifting in silence, a few moments...

I just...I just don't think we can... What happens the

next time we see someone in need?

NOAH

I agree...

They can all hear the guy's echoing pleas, for them to come help...

MARLANA

(nodding, with a tear)

I agree...

More silence, as they begin rowing again...except Sam, who simply stares back, toward the man and little girl. Then she looks at Benny, who is rowing back toward shore, where the guy and the girl are...

Benny?

Benny keeps rowing away. Sandy barks, back toward Renee. Benny looks toward the guy, now excitedly waving his hands. He keeps rowing, toward him. Suddenly he stops, and just stares toward the guy...

His POV of the guy and his girl, as a woman and two more children approach them...

Benny sits there, watching. DJ and them are in the background, waiting...

Benny begins rowing back, toward DJ and the others...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. REMOTE SWIMMING HOLE - DAY

A father (LANCE, 45ish) in the water, laughing and throwing his little boy (11ish), up and into the water. The boy comes up, laughing. His dad picks him up and throws him again. More laughter from them both...

Suddenly, a car can be heard crashing. They both look toward the sound of it. Now a woman screaming is heard...

CUT TO:

EXT. WOODSY ROAD - DAY

Car on side of road, busted up. POV rolls around side of car, where someone is hunched over something, down on the ground. It looks like a huff eating someone or something. It's a dead deer...

Lance, is coming from trail, onto the road, with his son behind him...

They see the person (female), or huff, hovering over the deer, as she rises and faces them.

WOMAN

Oh, thank god!

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. CAR/TOWING COMPANY - DAY

Lance dropping the woman off at a towing company.

WOMAN

Thank you, so much. You are such kind folks.

LANCE

You're very welcome, and good luck with your car.

He smiles and drives of, looking back at his son...

LANCE

Helping people is the godly thing to do, son...even

sinners deserve what we can offer.

Some silence...

BOY

Was she a sinner, Daddy?

LANCE

Indeed, she was, Benjamin. She was in possession of a

marijuana cigarette, and the language she used in

which you did not understand, are the kind of words

I will never tolerate coming from your mouth.

They drive on, in silence...

DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME

EXT. COLUMBIA RIVER - DAY

DJ looking at Benny.

BENNY

It's the way I was raised...

Some silence...

ELI

You weren't so ready to help the night we showed up,

at your place.

BENNY

Thought you were sinners, at first...

More silence...

SAM

(talking to Benny)

Are you religious?

BENNY

I was raised to be...but my mom left my dad, for a woman.

He always said she had lost her place in Heaven, for it. I

couldn't except that...it made me begin to question

everything he dumped on me, as a kid...

More silence...

SAM

My family believes in love. The love people have for their

children and families, is proof of a higher power...a great

one. Everything else is about being open minded...

Benny nodding his head. Tami and Marlana, are both nodding, as well...

MARLANA

Sounds like a special family...

More silence...

DJ stares ahead...

Coming up on Multnomah Falls, aren't we?

PAUL

That we are...

More silence...

Anyone...think maybe...once we get there...that the

water will be rising, rather than falling?

Everyone just turns and stares awkwardly at him...

What?... Like we all haven't seen stranger things?

Everyone slowly begins smiling, even kind of cracking up...

ELI

Wow...

DISSOLVE TO:

They are now passing Multnomah Falls, with a great view of the magnificent scene, as they all stop rowing, and just look at it...

MARLANA

Almost makes you feel like everything is normal...

Silence as they just continue to watch it...

Suddenly, a motorboat can be seen, leaving near the shoreline, at the falls. It is coming right their way.

Oh, shit!

Panic taking over all their expressions, as they begin to row.

It's useless rowing. Just get ready to fire, but only if we

have to!

All of them readying their guns...

As it gets closer, they can come to see that a white flag, is being waved from the motor boat.

PAUL

That's a good sign, I hope...

NOAH

It looks like...Multnomah Sheriff's Patrol!

I don't know if that's a good thing, or not...

LOUD SPEAKER FROM BOAT

This is the Multnomah Sheriff's department. Please

do not give us a reason to open fire! We mean you

no harm...

They all look on, as the Multnomah Sheriff's Patrol motor boat, speeds by them. Several officers aiming guns right on them, but not firing...

The group all looks amongst one another, as the boat turns back around and slows down, while coming right at them...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. MULTNOMAH FALLS - DAY

Close-up of the falls, panning back as people stand on the bridge and hike the trails around it. POV pans back more, coming to a sheriff, with DJ and the others.

SHERIFF DAVE

All in all, there are thirty-seven of us, here. Five officers including

myself, four US soldiers and the rest are family and a

handful of civilians. With some serious fire power,

we've been able to keep away anyone looking for

trouble, so far...

How much trouble from the dead?

SHERIFF DAVE

(shaking head)

We've seen it, but no trouble at all. We've seen some

herds, while out on patrol, and we know what to do if

one comes by, here.

Are you worried about the fire?

SHERIFF DAVE

(nodding)

I sure was, at first, but the wind has taken it more East,

and rain should take care of it soon enough.

So, you like your chances of surviving here?

SHERIFF DAVE

Supplies are running low, weather will get rough, soon.

So, as you can imagine, your compound is very intriguing.

So, you'll join us then, with your boat?

SHERIFF DAVE

(shaking head)

Afraid I just can't do that. My family and the people

who have become my family, depend on me and the

people here, and that boat. We will share whatever supplies you

might need, some food, and wish you all the luck in the world.

If you do make it, we'd appreciate you thinking about us, if you

ever make it out this way...with a caravan.

Our chances of making it, change dramatically, with

your companionship... (Sheriff shaking head)

SHERIFF DAVE

Highway 26 is a mess. You'll have to go off road at times,

or most the time. Highway 6 is probably a mess, too.

People fleeing to and from the beaches. One hell of a journey...

Sam discouraged...

SHERIFF DAVE

There's no guarantees on the water, either. Eventually it'll

be flooded with pirates. The best I can offer you is a radio.

You run into any trouble, while still in range, and I'll be

there as soon as I can...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. LODGE - DAY

Few people walking about, couple tossing a frisbee, one hanging clothes...

Benny, Sandy, Paul, Tami, Noah and Marlana are all standing around, next to the lodge.

POV inside gift shop, where DJ, Eli, Sam and Renee, look around. Benny and others can be seen outside. The room is just as it would be, before the apocalypse.

They've really kept this place up.

Woman (Traci) walks inside, with a smile.

TRACI

We do our best. It gives people a sense of normalcy.

The entire place does. The waterfall, the hike up to

the top. It's not a compound, but it's got hope...

Eli somewhat rolling his eyes, as he flips through some magazine brochures.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. LODGE RESTAURANT - DAY

Sam and her entire group, inside the beautiful restaurant, filling their tummies. Sandy eats from a plate, as does Bailey. Paul and Tami walk together, over to one of the many great views, this one of the river. Marlana is enjoying her view of the falls. DJ is looking around, taking in the beauty... He comes to see Sam, looking right at him...

SAM

We have beautiful places like this, at the compound,

too...

Do you have a waterfall?

Sam giving him a smartass kind of look...

SAM

Just a lake...and trails, ball fields, swimming pools, an

entire neighborhood, a gym (Benny, Paul, Tami, Noah

and Marlana all wide eyed, as she goes on and on), a farm,

animals, pack of dogs, secret passageways, a park,

camouflaged guard tree houses...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. COLUMBIA RIVER - DAY

DJ and those guys, all rowing away, with the falls in the background...

When we make it back to your compound...we're totally

not sending back a caravan...

ELI

What he said...

Sam giving DJ a dirty/amused look.

Kidding...

Rowing in silence...

DISSOLVE TO:

Everyone rowing along. Sam looks bored, tired. Renee is resting her head against her hand, eyes opening and closing...

Paul suddenly loses a paddle, as it hits something in the water.

PAUL

Shit!

Noah gets a peek of what looks like a kayak, submerged in the water (which is what Paul's paddle made contact with), as he sails by it.

NOAH

There's a kayak under the water; Jesus it looks like

Thomas's!

DJ sailing by it, taking in a good look...

Benny sails by, slowing and reaching down, attempting to bring the kayak up. Marlana and Tami come to it, on opposite side of Benny, and begin lifting it upward...

TAMI

Yeah, it sure looks like his. (straining) It's really weighted

down.

Suddenly, the kayak quickly flips upward, with Thomas's body still stuck inside (kayak wrapped in tarp, keeping his body inside of it), Tami is screaming and dangerously close, too close!

Thomas snags her shoulder, with his teeth, and pulls her out of the kayak, into the water, as he slips out of his own kayak, still latched to Tami. Marlana was thrown from Kayak, into water. Sam and Renee are screaming...

PAUL

TAAAMMMMIIII!

NOAH

MARLAANNNA!

Paul desperately rowing back toward the incident. Benny is helping Marlana, up into his kayak. Noah rows toward them. DJ nervously watches Paul (Sam in same kayak) rowing for his wife, who screams, as she goes up and out of the water, still fighting and taking nabs from Thomas.

PAUL

TAMI! OH MY GOD, TAMI!

It's too late, Paul! Don't let it get you, too!

Renee holding hands over her ears, blocking the horrid screams.

Thomas finally sinks his teeth deep into Tami, who gives a final scream, gargled by water, as she goes under, and is never seen again. Thomas continues to somewhat resurface, but in no control of the water or direction it takes him, as he begins floating away...

Marlana is safe in Benny's kayak, Noah next to it, with his arm over her back, as she weeps...

Sam and Renee are crying. Eli sheds a tear. Paul stares at the water, in too much shock to shed tears. He pulls his hand (with gun) to his head, and fires.

Sam, Marlana and Renee all scream. His body falls over into the water. Sam fights to balance the kayak, but is in no shape to give it a proper effort, as the it flips over, spilling her into the river.

DJ/ELI

SAM!

DJ, Eli and Noah all row toward Sam. She is in complete shock, swimming and kicking her body, as if huffs were everywhere in the water. She screams, as DJ and others reach for her, securing her, as Benny arrives. They all help lift her up into his kayak, where Marlana grabs and holds onto her...

They both weep. Renee weeps. Noah is shedding tears...

They all sit there, in silence, weeping... Suddenly, Sam screams at top of her lungs, while rising and looking to the water, toward her flooded kayak.

SAM

BAILEY!

DJ suddenly looks to the water. His POV of the carrier, sinking. He looks over to Noah and Eli (who are directly next to his kayak).

Watch Renee! Hold the kayak, don't let it flip!

DJ dives into the water. Noah and Eli hold onto Renee's kayak. DJ goes right for the carrier, pulling it up out of the water, and raising, so that the water can fall out. Bailey is inside, freaking out and spitting water. DJ swims it back to his kayak, placing it inside. He climbs in, looking over Bailey.

SAM

Is he okay?!

I actually think he is...

He opens door, pulling Bailey out. He is shaken and soaked. DJ holds him up to Sam. She looks, and leans back in the kayak. Everyone still in complete shock. DJ places Bailey back inside...

They all sit there several moments, in silence, before some of them slowly begin rowing...

DJ comes to take notice of Renee, who is staring out in the water, at something.

As they come closer to it, they can tell it's one of the other kayakers (from Thomas's group), floating with help of a life-jacket. As they get even closer, they can hear that it's a huff, groaning at them as they go by it. As they continue to row on, they come by more and more of them, floating along in their life-jackets. Groaning, but in no control of themselves...

They continue to row, in silence. Sam closes her eyes. Marlana is shedding tears. Noah is trying to make eye contact with her. She eventually comes to look back at him...

DJ begins reaching for radio. He turns it on, and speaks into it.

Sheriff Dave, do you copy?... I know we're probably out

of range, but in a little trouble... Sheriff Dave?...

DJ holds it, listening to static for several moments, before turning off...

They row in silence...

POV travels over all of their solemn faces...

DJ and Eli are the only ones who watch around, in front of them, behind them, and the shoreline, for whatever trouble is lurking...

They are all silent...as a short audio clip of "The Doors - Riders on the Storm", plays (just the beat and sound of water/rain) while scene dissolves.

DISSOLVE TO:

Everyone still quiet, as they row along. Wind has picked up. Sam is freezing. The audio clip now ends, just as Eli becomes totally still, looking and pointing toward the South side shoreline. DJ quickly turns to look. Now everyone looking...

Their POV of several kayaks leaving the shoreline, straight their direction. More kayaks are still taking off. One after another. There is close to a dozen already. A few more take off, before it ends. Maybe fifteen, coming straight for them. It's a wide river, they are still far from them.

ELI

What do we do?!

(looking toward opposite shoreline)

Racing doesn't sound promising...maybe go to shore,

hide? (shrugging) Or hide and shoot them before they can

dock?

They all begin rowing toward shore...

DISSOLVE TO:

POV through the trees, of the river, as a dozen kayakers work their way inland.

POV Sam aiming a gun at them...

POV travels over Eli, DJ and all the others, aiming guns at the kayakers. Except for Renee, who sits off a way, with both Sandy and Bailey (in carrier).

The kayakers are nearing the shoreline. DJ silently signals everyone, then takes the first shot. He hits one of them, knocking them right out of the kayak. Everyone else opens fire, and it quickly turns into a massacre. Several of the kayakers quickly turn, and row away (firing a few shots as they retreat), but the rest are dead or badly wounded in the water...

DJ walks toward the shoreline, stops and watches...

We just gave them our best punch...let's hope they

don't get back up.

DISSOLVE TO:

DJ and all of them, dragging their kayaks/supplies, alongside the river...

Okay, this is good enough. We'll row close to the

shoreline for awhile...stay out of their sight, in case

they're watching...

They begin dragging everything toward the shoreline, and into the water. They pack and set everything for travel, and push off. They row close to the shoreline...

ELI

You really think they're still watching?

(shrugging)

No idea, but they could be. Or someone else could be.

I don't know. I'm just...trying to be prepared...

Everyone looking every which way, in silence...

They all flinch, and look at the shoreline side they just came from, as a loud banging noise is heard. It's a huff, falling over garbage cans, trying to head their direction. Three more huffs are behind it.

DJ notices people inside the house, behind the curtains. They watch as the huffs walk away from their house. Renee and others take notice of a pair of huffs in the water, they appear stuck, in water to their chest. DJ leads kayakers out a little further...then even further...

Can't take any chances. Some of them could be stuck

and submerged. Don't want to be knocked over by one.

They all look around, and down at the water, and out and about...scared/nervous about everything, as they row in silence...

SAM

I killed someone...

Everyone looks at Sam...

They row in silence...

DISSOLVE TO:

DJ now leading everyone toward middle of river. There are cars in background (on North shoreline side, side they want to stay close to) driving along the road. DJ is looking toward other shoreline (South side). He squints, and can see what looks like several motorcycles, driving through the abandoned cars, on I-84...

DJ keeps toward the middle, with eyes on both shorelines. Eli is doing the same, as are the rest of the adults...

Sam is dazing, as Marlana rows...

Renee has her head down, resting, but looking outward...

We have to get as far as we can, before we camp.

NOAH

We need to be picky with finding a place...a safe place.

The shoreline might not be so safe...

DJ nodding...

ELI

You guys are being paranoid. We destroyed those people.

It's not even them I'm worried about. Like the sheriff said,

pirates will take over these waters soon...if not already...

BENNY

In the worst ways imaginable...

MARLANA

People are so ugly...

Everyone rows, in silence...

DISSOLVE TO: EVENING

Everyone rowing inland, toward north side shoreline...

Once on shore, we have to begin heading inland, asap.

NOAH

We should probably go at least a half mile in.

Agreed...(looking at Sam) Then tomorrow we make

it to the St. Johns bridge.

Sam forces a half smile...

They are coming up on the shoreline. Renee suddenly sees something, and immediately points.

DJ looks. He can't see anything. Then he spots several motorcycles.

BOOM, loud gunshot fired. Noah is shot and instantly falls over dead, into the water, with a scream from Marlana.

MARLANA

NOAH!

Eli fights to keeps the kayak balanced (after Noah fell out), as he moves to the middle. DJ and Marlana (in shock, crying) begin turning around, as several men come out, from behind trees or from inside the brush. They open fire on the kayakers, who are turned around and desperately rowing back out into the river.

Sam watches a shot just miss Sandy, as it goes through top part of kayak. She watches several more shots go into the water, near her kayak. She looks up, as more shots are fired into the water, near both DJ and Eli's kayaks.

Now she looks up, as a shot goes right through the chest of Benny. She watches it happen, directly in front of her, as he leans over, falling out of kayak, and into the river. Sandy jumps right in after him. Renee screams.

Sam's kayak is simply drifting now, as Marlana is still in too much shock, after her husband's death. She is looking toward his body, floating toward the shoreline.

(yelling)

ROW, MARLANA! ROW!

Marlana snaps out of it, and begins rowing. Shots are slowing down, but a few still fired, and missing. The shooters are out of ammo, and watching from shoreline. One of them is on a radio. The rest, run to their motorcycles.

Sam watches Sandy, barking/wimpering for Benny. Renee is crying. Sandy begins swimming toward Sam's kayak, but can't catch up, she turns and swims toward shore. Benny becomes a huff. Sandy swims toward him. He is snapping at her, but unable to reach her, as he floats in the water with his life-jacket. Sandy seems confused. Renee cries as she watches. Sam also watching. Sandy begins going back toward shoreline, again.

They all watch as Sandy climbs up onto shore, looking back at them. They are still heading toward middle of river...

RENEE

We have to go back for her! We have to!

We can't, Renee. We can't...

Renee weeps like never before. Sam begins weeping herself. Marlana has not yet stopped crying, while rowing...

Sandy watches from the shoreline, simply sitting and quietly whining, as they row further and further away...

DJ looks outward, he can see the Glen Jackson Bridge (1-205)...

He begins looking all directions, especially back behind them...

ELI

What now?

I saw one of them on a radio... They must have more

people, nearby...

ELI

We're screwed...

DJ rowing hard, using body language to inspire Marlana to row, harder.

Everyone silent, except Renee and Marlana, still crying. Renee stares toward the shoreline, looking for Sandy. DJ looks from her, to Marlana...

(speaking to Marlana)

Marlana...you're still with people who care about you...

people who need you. I know you're hurting, like we are,

and have for some time now... I'm going to mourn with

you, later tonight...when we're all safe...

She looks up at him, musters a half nod, and begins rowing harder...while still shedding tears...

DJ looks at Renee...he almost says something, but decides against it...

They row in silence...

DJ comes to see the motorcycles, on the north side, through the brush/trees/houses, riding on the highway. The view of them goes away. DJ is thinking...

He begins scanning the shoreline of the bikers, then looks at the bridge, then to the opposite shoreline, and back to the biker side shoreline...

They can't see us right now. They have that radio...

DJ just thinking, as Eli stares at him...

We need to go to shore, this (motioning to biker side)

side, before anyone else comes behind us...but not yet...

not until we give them more area to cover...in case

they search for us...

ELI

Are you sure?

Silence...

Not at all...

Silence...

ELI

What?

Silence...everyone looking to him for the answer...he just shakes head...

I don't know... I don't know...

DJ just zoning ahead, as he and others row, in silence...

Suddenly, Eli goes wide eyed and points behind them. Everyone turns.

Their POV of several kayakers, gaining ground, their direction...

DJ begins rowing to biker side shoreline, as others follow, while panicking...

Row, Renee, row!

Everyone (except Sam, now paddles) rowing hard...

ELI

They're coming fast!

They keep rowing, as fast and hard as they can, but Marlana rows alone, and still shaken up, exhausted...

DJ can hear motorcycles, as he looks but can't see them. He has panic all over his face, defeat taking over. Yet he continues to row.

Come on Marlana, row! We have to make it to land!

Eli is now tiring, and falling behind...

Find your second wind, All-Star!

Eli trying to keep going strong...

Marlana giving it her best, but fading...

Renee is fading...

Sam crying...

Eli grabs his gun.

Keep rowing!

The other kayakers open fire on them. Just a few shots. They are making serious ground...

Eli fires a shot back at them.

Save your ammo! Keep rowing!

ELI

It's no use!

A few more shots are fired from other kayakers. Getting closer...

SOUND OVER PA SYSTEM

THIS IS THE MULTNOMAH SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT. PUT

DOWN YOUR WEAPONS!

DJ and all of them quickly turn, to see Sheriff Dave's boat, heading right for kayakers, who turn and open fire on him. Sheriff Dave and others, fire back, and begin blowing them away. They pass them, turn and open fire on them again.

DJ, Sam and Eli, are all cheering.

ELI

HELL YEAH!

Sheriff Dave turns boat around one more time, circling back and finishing them off...

He now cruises over to DJ and them...

SHERIFF DAVE

(as arriving)

Somebody make a distress call?

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. SHORELINE - DAY

Sheriff Dave on his "docked" boat (couple others with him), talking with DJ and others.

SHERIFF DAVE

I tried to warn you guys. I don't even feel safe out there,

with this, let alone a kayak and no place safe to sleep at

night... Now please, get in and come back to the lodge,

with me. I can tow the kayaks...

DJ looks at Sam, looking back at him. He looks to Eli and Renee (still very upset), and to Marlana (quiet/sad). He shakes his head.

We've come this far...turn around now and we'll lose

any chances we have, of using the river.

He looks at Sam again...

We're one safe night's sleep away, from pulling this off...

that and...one trip through the infested city...we got this...

DISSOLVE TO:

Sheriff Dave's boat now towing DJ and them (inside of their kayaks). He tows them down river, until he points toward a safe looking location, and begins taking them to the north shoreline...

DISSOLVE TO:

DJ and all of them now on the shoreline, towing their kayaks/gear (only 2 kayaks, now), with Sheriff Dave in background, on river heading back toward the Glen Jackson Bridge...

We can't take any chances, of those guys scanning the

shoreline area, all night. I know we're all tired and

hungry, but we have to keep going...

POV scanning over their worn out faces, coming to Sam's. You can see her thoughts, as scene dissolves...

DISSOLVE TO: FLASHBACK (9 months ago)

INT. BASEMENT - NIGHT

Zane and Sam work on fighting techniques. Sam is doing quite well, but exhausted.

ZANE

You are just sick, kiddo. Not only mastering your moves,

but I can see the exhaustion in your face, yet you just keep

going. You'd go run a mile with me right now if I requested.

(she keeps coming at him) You're a machine!

Fish walks into room, with waters, and a smile...

FISH

Like she's going to let her big cousin see her ask for a

break. What do you think she is...a ten-year-old?

Fish hands them both waters, as they stop and drink...

FISH

(looking at his tired daughter)

Yep, she'll be out, upon contact with the pillow, tonight.

SAM

The reward of hard work, Zane says.

FISH

(looking at her with a smile)

I'm pretty sure your dad has said that once or twice, too.

Zane smiling, Fish too.

ZANE

I'm just glad you didn't have a son. He'd already be

taking me!

Sam instantly goes after him, making a skilled shot at him, as he laughs...

SAM

Stop calling me a girl!

Zane cracking up, Fish laughing too...

SAM

You know what I mean!

ZANE

If you weren't just a little girl, you'd be hitting me right

now, but you can't!

SAM

(as she continues to make skilled attempts at hitting him)

Stop calling me a little girl!

She's actually getting angry, over not being able to break through his defensive moves.

ZANE

That's right! Be angry, over being a little girl! Be stronger

than that little girl! Teach her how to survive! Teach her

to be a leader!

Fish begins attacking Zane, forcing him to defend himself, making it more difficult to block Sam's shots.

ZANE

What? You think I can't handle a little girl, and a fish!

Fish gets more aggressive, as Zane gets caught up in defending his shots, and Sam finally makes contact with hers. Zane goes down, pretending to be in real pain. Sam goes down to him, but is swooped up by his arms. He immediately begins tickling her tummy, as she jumps in tickled hysterics...

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. KITCHEN - MORNING

Zane flipping pancakes, Sam eagerly waiting at counter, on a stool. Fish enters kitchen, with car keys.

FISH

Appreciate you dropping her off at her moms, later. But

pancakes, dishes, washing my car, actually working a

vacuum cleaner, and mowing the lawn, are things you

don't have to do, every time you crash here.

ZANE

I didn't wash your car...

FISH

I know, that's why I mentioned it, what the hell's the

matter with you?!

Both Sam and Zane throw something at him.

ZANE

I missed staying with you guys. Ever since I left home, I

barely stay here anymore.

Fish starts quickly eating a pancake (without even sitting).

SAM

Move in!

FISH

Then I get his place!

SAM

No!

ZANE

I wish you guys would just move to the compound. It's

like our own community there. Plus, Dad doesn't reside

there.

FISH

I will someday, but not until Sam grows up in the real

world.

Fish giving Sam a kiss on the forehead.

FISH

Bye-bye, sweetheart. Say hi to your moms for me. I

will see you next weekend.

Fish goes over and tries to give Zane a kiss, but Zane blocks it with a skilled maneuver.

FISH

(talking to Zane)

Bye, sweetheart.

Fish leaves with a laugh from Sam, as Zane flips a pancake onto her plate...

SAM

I miss those days... I hated you and uncle Leo always

fighting, but understood... The good thing is, it meant

you always staying here. You were like a big brother to

me, back then.

ZANE

You and your dad always made me feel welcome,

here. He was like a big brother to me, growing up.

Then he had you. Watching the way he cared about

you, was amazing. That alone, made it pretty hard

to be jealous of you, like I was at first. (Sam full

attention as she listens) I chose to go a different

route...and love the holy hell out of ya!

Zane flipping himself a pancake...

SAM

Can I tell you a secret?

ZANE

You can tell me absolutely anything.

SAM

I wish my dad would move, to the compound, too.

I love it there!

ZANE

Yeah, I know. Your dad does, too. I agree with his idea

of raising you away from there. That way you're never

dependent on it. Grow up being able to survive on

your own.

DISSOLVE TO: PRESENT TIME

EXT. FIELD - DUSK

Their worn out faces, are now faces of complete exhaustion, as DJ leads them into an old garage type of structure. They all just sit, in silence... Sam opens Bailey's door... Renee looks at Bailey, and begins shedding some tears...

DJ eventually forces himself to rise...

I'm sorry guys...if you don't get back up now, you won't

be able to in five minutes. Just have to fix an area to sleep,

and make a fire. I have enough fish for dinner. We can

worry about breakfast after we sleep.

DISSOLVE TO: DUSK

A very half ass camp, is set up, fish leftovers laying around, fire still burning, and all three kids in sleeping bags, totally passed out. Marlana sits next to fire, weeping. DJ comes, sitting next to her, placing hand around her...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. COLUMBIA RIVER - DAY

Close-up of river water...

Eventually, Sandy swims by, she comes to Benny, who bites into her flesh, taking them both under, as the water above, becomes red...

Cut to Renee, tossing and turning, as she sleeps...

Close-up of river water...

Thomas and his kayak pop up, biting into Tami and taking her back under water, with him...

Cut to Eli, tossing and turning, as he sleeps...

Close-up of river water...

Sound of gunshot, as Paul falls into the water. Sam is wide eyed as she fights for balance, and looks at Paul, as she falls into water. He is a huff and ripping into her flesh, as she falls onto him. He drags her under water with his teeth...

Cut to Sam, tossing and turning, as she sleeps...

Close- up river water...

Sound of motor boat, getting closer. Sheriff Dave zips by, towing a water skier. The water skier is a huff. Sheriff Dave begins firing at it. He hits it over and over, finally killing it with a head shot...

Cut to DJ, tossing and turning...

Close-up river water...

Noah floats by, dead...

He floats by again, as a huff...

He swims by now, smiling and holding his nine-year-old boy, also smiling...

Cut to Marlana, tossing and turning, as she sleeps...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. OLD GARAGE STRUCTURE - DAWN

DJ slowly walking outside, where Marlana already has a fire burning, with beans heating up. She looks and sees DJ...then looks upward...

MARLANA

If there was still a weather report, I'm thinking it'd be

calling for rain.

Well...look at you...

MARLANA

I used my husband to survive the last tragedy...I'll use the

image of him, and our son, together, to get through this

one...

(hand on her shoulder)

You are one special woman...

She puts her hand over his hand...

Sam walks out, soon followed by Eli... Marlana looks over at them.

MARLANA

Hot beans, come and get it. Need that energy. Today

is the day...

DJ heading inside.

I'll wake Renee...

DISSOLVE TO:

DJ and all of them, now hiking and dragging along their kayaks/supplies. It's beginning to rain a bit. There is a big hill to go down, with highway (highway 14) down below, and the river, about a quarter mile from the highway.

The sound of motorcycles begins to be heard, as DJ freezes, before leading them all behind an old shed, with brush, to also hide in/around. They watch down below, where motorcycles go by, heading west, toward the Interstate Bridge. Suddenly, DJ spots something in the river, also heading West. It looks like several kayaks. Eli takes notice of what DJ is looking at...

ELI

Is that...

(nodding)

God damn kayak gang, is what they are...

DJ just standing there, thinking, while he stares toward kayakers...

ELI

What do we do?

MARLANA

That was my question...

DJ still thinking, rain is beginning to fall harder...

It looks like three of them. If that's the last of their kayaks,

then we have a shot.

SAM

A shot?

Either they'll all go down the river, to the mouth of the

Willamette, or they'll split up, and one of them will take the

smaller channel, through Hayden Island. I think we can take

just one of them.

MARLANA

What if they turn around, or just guard both channels,

knowing or guessing we haven't gone through,

ourselves, yet?

DJ thinking...

(shaking head)

I don't know what else to do?

DJ looking at everyone...

We have weapons...we see them...we row right at

them...guns blazing...

Eli nodding...

They all begin walking down hill, while the rain really picks up...

Be careful, it's getting slick.

Suddenly, they can hear huffs, a lot of them, an entire herd of them! They could hear DJ and them dragging their kayaks/gear.

The huffs begin falling down the hill, unable to find the proper balance to walk down it. Some of them falling toward DJ and them, who begin hurrying down the hill. Huffs are rolling past them, to the bottom. A huff rolls over Eli, who drops the rope that tugs the kayak. Eli falls and begins rolling, with the huff.

SAM/DJ

ELI!

The huff is snapping at Eli, who finally pulls away and begins to rise, while the huff continues rolling.

He didn't bite you, did he?!

Eli shaking head. They all begin hurrying down the hill, at an angle, as the huffs at the bottom, are now rising to their feet, coming back up hill...

We need to get to the highway! We can lose them on

the other side.

Renee slips, and rolls downward a ways.

RENEE!

A couple huffs are dangerously close, to her. One of them reaches and has a hold of her.

NOOOOO!

Suddenly, a dog begins growling, as it leaps into the air, knocking that huff flat on the ground. Renee goes down for a second, but rises, her face developing excitement.

RENEE

SANDY!

Sandy runs and attacks the second huff, as DJ grabs Renee, and they both run with others.

RENEE

Come on, Sandy!

Sandy comes running with them. They reach the highway, and dash across it. They run through some grassy area, into a yard, and disappearing in between the houses. The huffs are just now crossing the highway, as the rain is now pouring...

"The Doors - Riders on the Storm" begins playing (8 seconds before lyrics begin, with sound of thunder and rain falling) as scene dissolves...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. COLUMBIA RIVER - DAY

Song playing, sound of rain.

Rain is dumping. DJ and them in Kayaks, pushing off into river. DJ is in back, with Renee in middle, and Sam in front, rowing. Eli is in back of his kayak, with Sandy in middle, and Marlana in front. Sandy barks...

MUSIC

"Riders on the storm... Riders on the storm... Into this House we're born... Into this world we're thrown."

They begin rowing outward, getting soaked in the rain. They look back, as huffs begin coming over the hill, falling and rolling down to the shoreline...

MUSIC

"Like a dog without a bone, an actor on his own, riders on the storm."

Sandy barking at the huffs. DJ and them all looking, as they row. Their view of huffs, walking into water...

MUSIC

"There's a killer on the road. His brain is squimin' like a toad."

DJ stops looking at huffs, and looks out and about, over the river in front of them...

MUSIC

"Take a long holiday. Let your children play."

Marlana rowing, with hope of surviving. Sam rows, while Renee stares at Sandy...

DISSOLVE TO:

MUSIC

"If ya give this man a ride, sweet memory will die. Killer on the road, yeah..."

DJ and them looking ahead, as they enter the channel on the left, the smaller one. A green bridge (Interstate Bridge) is up ahead, off to the right, over the larger channel.

House boats fill the smaller channel. The rain still pours, as they all look around, and ahead, while they continue to row...

BLACK

Song continues (instrumentally) with credits...

CREDITS

THE END