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The Few
by Nolan Rutland (rutlandn19@yahoo.com)

Rated: R   Genre: Action/Adventure   User Review: ****
Do you think real super heroes would be easily accepted? Possibly; at first, but with time hate, fear, and pure human jealousy would consume them. Six college teens gain super powers in a freak explosion. They quickly learn that being a hero is a curse. They are pushed to their breaking point as the city decends into chaos. This is the death of the classic American Super Hero.


This screenplay is copyrighted to its author. All rights reserved. This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author.



EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
                                                            
                       CHRIS
We were few. The Few. No one could
have predicted it? How could they?
We were the worlds first
extra-human beings. I hesitate to
use the word Hero because at this
point it seems as much self
serving as it does untrue. In our
day and time, the term super hero
is thrown around by people who
don't know anything; who can only
think in sixth grade terms and who
are fooled by their own fantastic
imaginations. The term super hero,
while being not altogether
inaccurate, implies that what
happened to us was a gift. The
accident and the resulting power
were anything but fortunate.
Tragedy would be the more
appropriate word. Being a super
hero seems, to every little boy,
the ultimate fantasy but at our
present age, and when fantasy
gives way to reality, the wonder
quickly disappears and fear takes
its place. Good intentions do pave
a way to hell. In the attempt to
eradicate evil we gave the world
it's greatest. It was Newton who
said that every action has an
equal or opposite reaction. In an
atomic explosion, atoms are torn
apart and energy is released in
the form of heat and light. In our
case DNA is bent and twisted and
energy is released in the form of
possibility. Awesome; terrifying,
possibility. No matter what others
might tell you there is an
equation for the human mind and it
is always changed by the
introduction of possibility. So it
did. People changed. We are The
Few, The Powerful, The Heroic. To
action there is reaction, to
reaction there is consequence, to
consequence there is an end. The
is the death of the American super
hero.
                                                            
 

2.

INT. WALMART - DAY
                                                            
A BOY (10), cute, stands in the toy aisle. The boy stares at
a toy gun on the shelf.
                                                            
                       BOY
Woah.
                                                            
The BOY runs off.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO
                                                            
MOM (20's), attractive, brunette, talking on her cell phone
in the frozen food aisle. Her face shows panic.
                                                            
                       MOM
I'm sorry, could you repeat that?
Well, how much time do I have?
Please, I need an extension. Well
could you at least talk with your
manager?
                                                            
The MOM scratches off an instant lotto ticket. It's not a
winner. She tosses it into the cart. The BOY comes running
around the corner of the adjacent aisle.
                                                            
                       BOY
Mom! Mom!
                                                            
                       MOM
Really? Thank you. Alright, yes,
just call me back when you hear.
Thank you again. Goodbye.
                                                            
She looks down and her son is standing there. He has been
waiting patiently for her to stop. He begins to tug on her
sleeve.
                                                            
                       BOY
Mom! Mom! You have to see this!
                                                            
                       MOM
What is it?
                                                            
                       BOY
Come here, I'll show you.
                                                            
He slides down her arm to her hand and starts to yank. She
laughs. He pulls her to the toy aisle and points to the toy
gun.
                                                            
                       BOY
Look! Can I get it mom? Please?
                                                            

3.

She doesn't know what to say. She makes a decision and tries
to seem confident about it. She picks it off the shelf.
                                                            
                       MOM
Alright, here.
                                                            
She puts it in the basket and continues shopping. We see
them next as they are checking out. The cashier scans the
three items. The MOM looks uneasy. The cashier rings it up.
                                                            
                       CASHIER
That'll be 43.72.
                                                            
The MOM searches through her wallet and a twinge of pain
streaks across her face and just as soon it's gone again.
She shines the cashier a forced smile.
                                                            
                       MOM
Uhm...huh...I must have left the
rest of my money at my house could
you take the gun off?
                                                            
                       CASHIER
Sure. Absolutely. (Pushes some
buttons) And now your total is
22.73.
                                                            
                       MOM
Uh...(digs through her purse)
here's twenty...two and...(still
digging) seventy three.
                                                            
                       CASHIER
Thank you. Here's your receipt and
have a nice day.
                                                            
                       MOM
Thank you. Bye.
                                                            
The MOM and the BOY start to walk away and it starts to hit
the BOY that the toy gun is not with them.
                                                            
                       BOY
Mom! You forgot the gun!
                                                            
They keep walking.
                                                            
                       BOY
Mom! Wait!
                                                            
The MOM gently pulls the BOY aside and crouches down to talk
to him. The BOY looks like he is about to cry.
                                                            

4.

                       MOM
Hey, Andrew. I'll make you a deal.
How about you work for me and I'll
pay you...say...a dollar a week.
Then when you have enough you can
buy it yourself.
                                                            
                       BOY
Why can't you buy it for me?
                                                            
                       MOM
Uh...well...I had completely
forgotten when I picked it up that
toys are so much MORE fun when you
buy them yourself.
                                                            
                       BOY
Really?
                                                            
                       MOM
Absolutely.
                                                            
Boy thinks.
                                                            
                                         MATCH CUT TO
                                                            
 
INT. MESSY APARTMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
CHRIS thinks. CHRIS (21), a brown haired college student of
about average height and build. His hair falls long and
unkempt around his eyes and ears.
                                                            
His eyes move slowly from side to side sweeping his
collection of movies. He indistinctly mouths the movie
titles. Every now and then he says part of a name. His eyes
finally settle on a movie but he stares at it for a moment
not sure of his own decision.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Fantastic Four? Hm...why not?
                                                            
He turns and walks away. He sets the movie down on the
coffee table then gets out his phone.
                                                            
His apartment is littered with clutter. He calls the pizza
place.
                                                            
                                         JUMP CUT TO:
                                                            
Apartment Door. The doorbell rings several times, in quick
succession.
                                                            

5.

                       CHRIS
Hold on! I'll be right there!
                                                            
CHRIS walks into view, opens the door, and hands the guy
some money.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Here you go.
                                                            
                       PIZZA GUY
Thank you, and here's your pizza.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Thanks, have a good night.
                                                            
                       PIZZA GUY
Alright man, you too. 'Night.
                                                            
CHRIS closes the door and walks into the T.V. area. He
shoves last night's pizza box off the coffee table and onto
the floor in order to make room for this night's.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
All the lights are off and the only light is from the T.V.
CHRIS lies lengthwise on the couch. CHRIS's phone begins to
ring. CHRIS pauses the movie and answers the phone.
                                                            
                       ELLIE (V.O.)
Hey Chris.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Oh, hey Ellie. (He sits up) What's
up?
                                                            
                       ELLIE (V.O.)
Not much, I'm sorry if I called at
a bad time, it's just this is the
only time I have to talk
privately.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
No, it's fine I was just watching
a movie.
                                                            
                       ELLIE (V.O.)
Oh, great. Well, it's about Ryan's
surprise party. Could you please
find a place to have it for me?
That would be a big help.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Yeah sure, no problem.
                                                            

6.

                       ELLIE (V.O.)
Are you sure?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Absolutely.
                                                            
                       ELLIE (V.O.)
Great. Thanks so much.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Really, it's no problem.
                                                            
                       ELLIE (V.O.)
Alright, goodnight.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
'Night.
                                                            
CHRIS turns off the cell phone and puts it down on the
table. He switches on a table lamp and rubs his eyes to wake
himself up. He glimpses at his watch. It's midnight. He gets
up and meanders to the kitchen.
                                                            
In his kitchen his refrigerator is covered in Post-It notes.
He picks up a pad of Post-Its and writes 'Find place for
Ryan's party'. He sticks it on his fridge and it's
immediately lost in the jumble. CHRIS then opens the fridge
and pulls out a carton of milk.
                                                            
He drinks the milk straight out of the carton. CHRIS gags
slightly then gives a low muffled scream through the sour
milk still in his mouth. He looks around frantically and
stumbles to the sink. CHRIS sprays the sour liquid into the
sink and slumps over the sink almost as if he is about to
throw up.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
bathroom as CHRIS gargles massive amounts of mouthwash. Back
in the kitchen CHRIS grabs the pad of Post-Its and violently
scribbles 'get milk'. He is about to put the note on the
fridge when he sees the same note there already. He grabs
the marker and underlines the first note. He crumples up the
new note and throws it in the trash. CHRIS grabs the carton
of sour milk and puts it back in the fridge again. He turns
off the movie then slinks to his room. He gets in bed and
gets comfortable.
                                                            
 
INT. CHRIS'S APARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
CHRIS opens his eyes for a moment then closes his eyes,
rolls over, and begins to slip slowly into unconsciousness.

7.

He is suddenly hit by a crushing wave of fear. He sits up
and peers out the nearby window.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Daytime?
                                                            
He looks wide-eyed at the digital clock next to his bed.
It's 10:00.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Oh, fuck!
                                                            
He clumsily darts into the kitchen, his pants are on and
he's pulling the dirty shirt he wore yesterday over his
face. He pulls a note off his fridge. It reads, 'class was
moved back to 9:30'. He wads it up and hurls it at the
fridge with a grunt of frustration.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Fuck!
                                                            
He opens up the refrigerator and pulls out the milk. CHRIS
takes a swig of the milk but it doesn't stay long and almost
as soon as he puts it in his mouth, he spits it out again.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
      (Coughing)
kuh! Kuh! Kuh...fu...kuh...uck!
                                                            
He grabs the marker and sprints away.
                                                            
 
EXT. APARTMENT PARKING LOT - DAY
                                                            
CHRIS walks toward his car, unlocks it, and opens the driver
side door. He tosses his back pack into the passengers seat
then, still outside the car, he takes the marker out and
writes on his hand 'MILK'. He hops in his car and drives
away.
                                                            
 
INT. COLLEGE SCHOOL BUILDING - DAY
                                                            
CHRIS walks into a classroom midway through the lesson. DR.
ROLLINS (50's), short graying hair, youthful, teaches class.
DR. ROLLINS stops in the middle of the lecture to greet
CHRIS. DR. ROLLINS doesn't seem the least bit annoyed, in
fact he's very friendly. He's dressed casual but nice a
physical reflection of his personality. The board says
'American Literature'.
                                                            

8.

                       DR. ROLLINS
Oh, hello Mr. Parker. We were just
discussing the chapters you were
all supposed to read last night.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Sorry, I'm late Dr. Rollins.
                                                            
                       DR. ROLLINS
It's fine, just tell me this, and
remember there is no wrong answer.
I just want to know what YOU
think. Who or what do you think
Tom Sawyer represents in the
story?
                                                            
CHRIS talks slowly, trying to piece it together as he
speaks.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
      (Sitting now)
Um...Mark Twain's...inner child
or...what he wishes his childhood
could have been like? A reflection
of him in some way.
                                                            
                       DR. ROLLINS
Thank you, that's something I
wanted to touch on; writing your
own story. For those of you who
are also in my creative writing
class; Chris, Julie; it's just
like your other teachers told you
or should have told you; write
about what you know. Don't try too
hard; Mark Twain didn't. He wrote
about what he knew and that was
the south! Well for tonight read
the next chapter and write a short
compare-contrast essay on Mark
Twain and Tom Sawyer, which you
will give to me and I will not
read. Go forth and do great
things.
                                                            
Everyone packs up and leaves. DR. ROLLINS stops CHRIS.
                                                            
                       DR. ROLLINS
Chris, can I talk to you a minute?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Yes sir, what's it about?
                                                            

9.

                       DR. ROLLINS
Chris, I've seen your writing.
You're good and your smart. Your
only problem is you're so
disorganized. You need to keep up
or you're gonna fall behind.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Yes, sir.
                                                            
                       DR. ROLLINS
Alright, keep it together. Have a
wonderful day.
                                                            
 
INT. CAR - DAY
                                                            
We change focus to ELLIE (21), attractive, outgoing,
artistic college student, driving down the highway talking
on her cell phone. She's talking to ERIC.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Chris is finding the place, Jeff
is getting the decorations, and
Sam is doing the food. Everybody's
doing it, I just need you to
invite people.
                                                            
 
INT. ERIC'S APARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
ERIC (21), short, brown haired, student, bathrobe, is in a
very messy apartment, sitting on his couch.
                                                            
                       ERIC
What are YOU doing?
                                                            
INTERCUT BETWEEN ERIC AND ELLIE
                                                            
                       ELLIE
I'm organizing.
                                                            
                       ERIC
I wanna organize.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
What?
                                                            
                       ERIC
Yeah, how hard could it be? You
got the...stuff and
the...uh...other stuff.
                                                            

10.

                       ELLIE
The 'other stuff'?
                                                            
                       ERIC
Yeah, the other stuff. Come on I'm
a great organizer.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Alright, where are your car keys?
                                                            
ERIC looks around his messy apartment. The floor is covered
in stuff.
                                                            
                       ERIC
On the floor.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Where on the floor?
                                                            
                       ERIC
Well, you know, I can't get into
the specific geography and the
topology of the issue at this
moment.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
So will you invite the guests?
                                                            
                       ERIC
I am Voltor Destroyer of Worlds,
such things are beneath me.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
You're doing this.
                                                            
                       ERIC
You're pure evil.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Yes. I sit on my couch at night
twisting my moustache and cooking
up ways to make your life
miserable.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Sounds hot. What time?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Wednesday at 8. (beep) Hey, Ryan's
trying to call me.
                                                            
                       ERIC
I gotta go anyway.
                                                            

11.

                       ELLIE
      (To ERIC)
See ya' later.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Time for my real friends. (turns
on T.V. Cheers is on) Norm!
                                                            
ELLIE presses a button on her phone.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
      (To RYAN)
Hi, sweety.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Hey, honey. I was thinking about
Wednesday and I think I'd rather
just have a small dinner, just you
and me. How does that sound?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
What? Uh...I can't hear you..
Look, I'm at the university. I had
better go or Sir will kill me, I
love you sweety, bye.
                                                            
She immediately hangs up on him.
                                                            
We see RYAN and he seems surprised.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Um...bye.
                                                            
 
INT. RESTAURANT - DAY
                                                            
RYAN (22), tall, strong, buzz cut, police uniform, turns off
his cell phone. RYAN sits alone in a small diner.
                                                            
The restaurant is completely devoid of people except for
RYAN and SAM. SAM (22), tall, lean, friendly, is the owner
and chef of the restaurant. RYAN sits at the counter sipping
coffee and eating breakfast.
                                                            
                       SAM
Who was that?
                                                            
                       RYAN
Ellie. She seemed worried about
something, I dunno.
                                                            

12.

We see a menu with 'Sammy's', the name of the restaurant, on
it. RYAN scoops some scrambled egg up in his fork and plays
with it for a minute while he thinks.
                                                            
                       RYAN
It was when I talked about my
party. Do you know anything about
my birthday?
                                                            
                       SAM
Nope.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Really?
                                                            
                       SAM
Really. Nobody tells me anything.
                                                            
SAM goes to the back, in the kitchen area. We remain in the
dining area and SAM's voice becomes distant.
                                                            
                       SAM
Long as I keep making food you
guys just forget about me.
                                                            
                       RYAN
You're such a downer!
                                                            
He comes back out.
                                                            
                       SAM
You gonna pay for that?
                                                            
SAM prays hard and rubs his crucifix.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Put it on the tab.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (looking at the
       crucifix)
Is this thing on? When are you
guys actually planning on paying
your tab?
                                                            
                       RYAN
      (looking at his
       watch)
Oh, shit! I gotta go.
                                                            
RYAN shovels down some more egg and takes one last sip of
coffee.
                                                            

13.

                       RYAN
We'll pay it eventually!
                                                            
                       SAM
Yeah right.
                                                            
SAM walks back to the kitchen and this time we follow him
back. From the front there comes a ring as someone walks in
the door. SAM begins to walk to the front.
                                                            
                       SAM
Welcome to Sammy's what can I
get...
                                                            
SAM sees it's just JEFF and trails off mid-sentence.
                                                            
                       SAM
Oh, it's just you.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Why does everyone say that?
                                                            
                       SAM
Sorry, I just thought you might be
an actual customer.
                                                            
                       JEFF
And what am I? (SAM looks at him)
Don't answer that. So, did the new
Onion come in?
                                                            
                       SAM
Yeah, it's on the counter. Make
yourself comfortable. I'll be out
in a minute.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Hey, Sam! Can I get a breakfast
taco?
                                                            
                       SAM
Do you have money?
                                                            
                       JEFF
Oh, I only have a dollar.
                                                            
                       SAM
That's alright it's on me.
                                                            
                       JEFF
No, that's okay. You don't have to
do that.
                                                            

14.

                       SAM
Yes, I do. It's fine, Jeff. Poor
college students need food too.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Thank you so much.
                                                            
JEFF (20), average height, sits down and picks up the paper.
He continues to read the paper for a moment then SAM comes
back.
                                                            
                       SAM
Alright, done. So, what's up in
the science world?
                                                            
                       JEFF
Well, I heard about this guy in
Japan who's working to make
teleportation a reality and it
shows a lot of promise.
                                                            
                       SAM
Really?
                                                            
                       JEFF
Yup.
                                                            
JEFF laughs. He points to an article in The Onion.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Famous Hoo Ha Doctor Awarded Nobel
Prize for Advancements "Down
There". These guys are hilarious.
                                                            
                       SAM
So what are you and Eric doing?
                                                            
                       JEFF
Oh, you know, manipulating
radiation. We've actually
manipulated some elements and
created new isotopes and even
created a new element.
                                                            
                       SAM
Seriously?
                                                            
                       JEFF
Yeah. Right now we're
experimenting to see if any of
them could be used to fuel a car
or power a generator. It's the way
of the future. The way of the
            (MORE)

15.

                       JEFF (cont'd)
future. The way of the future.
                                                            
He laughs again at something in the paper.
                                                            
 
INT. MUSIC ROOM - DAY
                                                            
We switch focus to ELLIE. SIR, short, balding, business suit
and glasses, stands at a music stand in front of ELLIE. SIR
flips through the sheet music in front of him.
                                                            
                       SIR
Alright, pick it up from measure
32; at the key change.
                                                            
SIR beats out a 1, 2, 3 with his hands and ELLIE begins to
sing. She sings beautifully. The song is slow and beautiful.
She sings for a moment then stops.
                                                            
                       SIR
Alright. Thank you. I think thats
all for today.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Is the list up?
                                                            
SIR nods.
                                                            
                                         CONTINUOUS
                                                            
ELLIE walks out into the hall and down the hall to a cork
board. A list is pinned up. ELLIE reads. Her eyes go wide.
She reads it again and again. She fights back tears. She
walks down the hall. She sees Sarah and ducks into a
practice room. She pulls out her cell phone.
                                                            
 
EXT. STREETS - DAY
                                                            
With a loud wail of a car horn the scene changes to the city
streets. RYAN hauls down the side walk in his cop uniform.
                                                            
RYAN and his PARTNER run around a street corner and down
that street. A THUG sprints away from them. The THUG crosses
the street suddenly, just missing on-coming traffic. RYAN
and his PARTNER cross too and also have to play frogger with
the traffic. RYAN orders his PARTNER to go around. The THUG
knocks a trash can into the side walk but RYAN just hurdles
over it. The THUG turns the corner down an alley way and not
a moment later RYAN turns the corner too. The THUG climbs
over a fence. RYAN climbs the fence. The PARTNER blocks off

16.

the end of the alley and the THUG runs smack into him. RYAN
jumps on the THUG and cuff's him.
                                                            
                       RYAN
That's one for me.
                                                            
                       RYAN'S PARTNER
Bull shit, he ran into me.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Harper would you kindly fuck
yourself?
                                                            
                       THUG
You guys are retarded.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Fuck you!
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
Another cop reads the thug his rights as he loads the thug
into the cop car. RYAN walks away just as his phone rings.
He checks the caller I.D. It's ELLIE.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Hey, honey.
                                                            
 
INT. HALL OUTSIDE CHOIR ROOM - DAY
                                                            
ELLIE is fighting back tears.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Ryan, guess what?
                                                            
INTERCUT BETWEEN RYAN AND ELLIE.
                                                            
                       RYAN
What? What's wrong?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
I didn't make it.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Oh, my God. Honey, I'm so sorry.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
I thought I did so good.
                                                            
                       RYAN
There will be other opportunities.
                                                            

17.

                       ELLIE
I know I just- aah! God damn it!
Look, I gotta go. I love you. Bye.
                                                            
ELLIE steps out of the room. SARA (20), tall, busty blond,
walks up. ELLIE has an immediate look of intense loathing.
                                                            
                       SARA
Ha, I saw the board.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Don't fuck with me Sarah.
                                                            
                       SARA
Calm down. I'm trying to help you.
You obviously aren't good enough.
Just give up. Maybe you sang all
through high school even some in
college, you found out when the
tryouts were, you filled out all
the papers, you picked out a song,
you practiced the song, you sang,
and you still didn't get in. You
have to come to terms with the
fact that you can't sing. You can
still change your major and find a
new goal. Think about it.
                                                            
ELLIE teams with rage.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Your just a petty bitch.
                                                            
                       SARA
And I have everything you will
never get and
you...have...nothing.
                                                            
ELLIE hits her boiling point and punches SARA hard in the
nose.
                                                            
 
INT. SIR'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
ELLIE paces furiously around his office.
                                                            
                       SIR
You broke her nose?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
I wish I had broken her face!
                                                            

18.

                       SIR
You know you can't just punch
people in the face.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
She was practically begging me to
hit her. I wish you had heard- I
wish someone had heard what she
was saying to me. Fuck! All my
life I've worked and I've worked
and it's never been good enough.
I've never been good enough and- I
just- God! I hate hate her so
much!
                                                            
                       SIR
What exactly did she say?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
She told me that I'll never be
anything and to switch majors. She
said I couldn't sing.
                                                            
                       SIR
That's not true at all. You have a
beautiful voice. I suggest you
take some classes this year and
try again next year. You're good
Ellie, you're very good. Don't
give up.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Thanks.
                                                            
There is a long silence.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
You know, it's funny. The music
room is where I feel the most
comfortable. When nothing makes
sense, and trust me, a lot of
things don't make sense, I can
always go to the music room and I
feel at home. Maybe it's because I
have such a musical family.
Singing always brought my family
together in a way that nothing
else could. Christmas was my
favorite time because me, my dad,
my mom, my sister, and my brother
would all sing Christmas carols.
It was the closest my family ever
got to each other.
                                                            

19.

There is a moments pause, then SIR leans over in his chair
and peers around ELLIE.
                                                            
                       SIR
You had better go. Try and at
least make it look like I punished
you.
                                                            
ELLIE stands up and walks out. SARA looks extremely pleased
with herself.
                                                            
 
INT. SAMMY'S - NIGHT
                                                            
No one is there apart from SAM. SAM sits at a booth. He
nervously exhales and taps his foot on the floor. MIKE
(40's), well groomed, suit and crazy tie, knocks on the
door. SAM walks over, opens the door, and lets MIKE in.
                                                            
                       SAM
Come in.
                                                            
The man walks in.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Hi, I'm Mike. We spoke on the
phone.
                                                            
                       SAM
I'm Sam. Thanks for agreeing to
see me at night.
                                                            
                       MIKE
It's no problem, really. I
understand the odd hours of small
business owners.
                                                            
                       SAM
Here sit down.
                                                            
They do.
                                                            
                       SAM
I love your tie.
                                                            
                       MIKE
      (laughing)
Oh, this. Yeah, you caught me on
crazy tie day.
                                                            
SAM gives a courtesy laugh. MIKE realizes that SAM isn't
really laughing. MIKE stops chuckling and clears his throat.
                                                            

20.

                       MIKE
Anyway, let's take a look at your
numbers.
                                                            
MIKE pulls an accounting book out of his briefcase.
                                                            
                       MIKE
Unfortunately, I have bad news.
You're not doing well.
                                                            
MIKE opens the book and searches for a page. He finds it.
                                                            
                       MIKE
You're losing a significant amount
of money a month. If business
doesn't pick up, I would recomend
you close. I'm sorry.
                                                            
                       SAM
I see.
                                                            
SAM lowers his head and thinks about what brought him to
this point. The restaurant is his dream. He can't bear to
think about closing it.
                                                            
 
EXT. DOWNTOWN SIDEWALK - NIGHT
                                                            
A young, beautiful couple are walking around the nice part
of city. There are tall buildings all around. It has the
romantic appeal of Times Square, with it's dazzling lights
and sounds. They seem happy and blissfully in love. The
WOMAN (30), long hair, long black dress, fur coat, grins
from ear to ear. The MAN (33), tall, black hair, well
groomed, $2,000 suit, coat, leads her down the street.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Wow, this night has been so great:
Five-star Dinner, Ice Skating,
what's next?
                                                            
                       MAN
It's a surprise.
                                                            
The weather is cold. Their breath is visible in the cold
night air. They walk up to a big building with lights all
around it and a big sign with "RENT", the musical, on it.
The MAN pulls out two tickets and the woman's face lights
up.
                                                            
                       MAN
Happy Anniversary!
                                                            

21.

                       WOMAN
Really?! We're going to see
'RENT'?!
                                                            
                       MAN
Yep, just for you.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Oh, my god! I love you so much!
                                                            
                       MAN
I love you too. (looks at watch)
Oh, it's starting. We should go.
                                                            
They walk off.
                                                            
 
INT. SAMMY'S - DAY
                                                            
ELLIE walks in and RYAN is sitting at the nearest table. As
far as we can see, RYAN is the only one there. RYAN stands
up and they both kiss.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Hey Ellie.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Hi.
                                                            
                       RYAN
      (cat-and-mousey)
I wanted to talk about my
birthday. I'm just glad you're not
doing something as stupid as a
surprise party. God those are just
so childish. Anyway I'm looking
forward to our quiet dinner. Right
honey?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
      (speachless)
Yeah.
                                                            
They hug and RYAN gets up right next to her ear
                                                            
                       RYAN
They told me.
                                                            
ERIC, CHRIS, JEFF, and SAM peek around the booth they were
hiding in and they are all wearing party hats and carrying
noise makers.
                                                            

22.

                       ALL
SURPRISE!
                                                            
                       ERIC
Gotcha bitch!
                                                            
ELLIE has a "deer caught in the headlights" look of shock.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
All six of them are sitting at the booth, laughing.
                                                            
                       RYAN
I'm sorry but I had to do it. You
have to admit, it WAS pretty
funny.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Well...no actually not at all.
That wasn't the least bit funny.
Who's idea was it anyway?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Sorry, I accidentally let it slip
about the party.
                                                            
                       SAM
All I said was that we should play
a joke.
                                                            
                       JEFF
It wasn't my fault. I just got the
stuff.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Yeah, it was all my idea.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Yeah, why am I not surprised? Wow,
if only I could have gotten you
guys to work this hard on the
actual party.
                                                            
                       ERIC
I told you I could be a great
organizer.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
You're right, I'm sorry. Would you
like to be the organizer?
                                                            
                       ERIC
Fuck no.
                                                            

23.

                       JEFF
I'll organize.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Shut up, Jeff.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Sorry.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Hey, speaking of the party,
where's it gonna be? Chris.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Oh, you know...
                                                            
                       ELLIE
You don't know do you?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Yes, I do.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Where?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Well, if I told you then it would
ruin the surprise.
                                                            
                       RYAN
It's alright. Where ever it is
I'll love it.
                                                            
ELLIE and RYAN both snuggle up next to each other and
smooch.
                                                            
 
INT. SPORTS CAR - DAY
                                                            
The young attractive man from earlier is driving down a
highway. The woman sits next to him. They're in an
expensive, convertible, sports car. The top is down and
their hair blows in the wind.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
So what are we doing today?
                                                            
                       MAN
Look to your right.
                                                            
There is a race track off to the right. He pulls up to the
gate.
                                                            

24.

                       MAN
I reserved the race track for
today.
                                                            
                       GUARD
Can I see an I.D.?
                                                            
                       MAN
Here.
                                                            
The GUARD looks at it then hands it back.
                                                            
                       GUARD
Thank you. Have fun sir.
                                                            
                       MAN
Thanks.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
Sports car driving onto race track.
                                                            
                       MAN
Ready?
                                                            
The WOMAN puts on her sun glasses.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Ready.
                                                            
The MAN slams the pedal. The wheels spin in place then the
car peels off.
                                                            
 
INT. SAMMY'S - DAY
                                                            
RYAN and ERIC are sitting at a booth eating breakfast.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Hey Eric, what's your dream?
                                                            
                       ERIC
What do you mean?
                                                            
                       RYAN
Have you ever had a dream?
                                                            
                       ERIC
What kind of stupid question is
that? Of course I've had a dream.
This one time I had a dream that I
had to fight Scooby Doo or Santa
Clause would stop kill my parents.
Long story short, I rode Smokey
            (MORE)

25.

                       ERIC (cont'd)
the Bear pimp slapped Santa and
the dream ended their.
                                                            
                       RYAN
You're retarded.
                                                            
                       ERIC
I know what you mean. Hey, let's
ask Sam. Sam, what's your dream?
                                                            
                       SAM
I dream that one day, you guys
actually pay your tab.
                                                            
                       ERIC
What ever, fuck you.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Come on, I'm serious.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Seriously? Yeah, I became a
scientist because I wanted to help
the world. I wanted to make some
discovery that would make things
easier or cheaper, but that's not
my dream. My dream is to have
enough money that I can settle
down comfortably with my wife and
we can watch our kids grow up.
                                                            
                       RYAN
You see, I have the same dream. Do
you know why I became a cop?
                                                            
                       ERIC
For the gun?
                                                            
                       RYAN
Well yeah, and because I wanted to
help people, to make the city
safer, and to be...
                                                            
RYAN does finish the sentence but it's indistinguishable
muttering.
                                                            
                       ERIC
What?
                                                            
                       RYAN
To be a hero. To get my name in
the paper.
                                                            

26.

                       ERIC
(laughs) You mean like super man?
                                                            
                       RYAN
You know what? Fuck you! I'm
pouring my god damn heart out
and...fuck you! Fuck you!
                                                            
                       ERIC
Aww, I'm shorry. Does shum-one
need a hug?
                                                            
                       RYAN
NO.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Oh, here it comes. Here it comes.
You can't stop it now. It's
coming!
                                                            
                       RYAN
No, no, no!
                                                            
It's too late. ERIC wraps his arms around RYAN and RYAN gets
a look like he's being stabbed.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Shush, shush, shush. It'll be
okay. I'm here, I'm here. It'll
all be alright.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Are you done?
                                                            
ERIC lets go.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Holly shit. Are you completely
robbed of all emotion? I'm putting
myself out on a limb here to try
to show you some love and you just
crushed it! See, there it is.
(imitating something small) Ryan,
I love you. Aaaah! Is this because
of your mom? Momma didn't love you
enough? Or you didn't love mommy?
                                                            
                       RYAN
I love my mom.
                                                            
                       ERIC
      (To SAM)
I love his mom too?
                                                            

27.

Ryan just stares at him.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Alright, I'm sorry. Honest to god
though, I love you like a brother,
more than Jeff; more than Sam;
more than Chris; more than Ellie.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Same here man.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (walking by)
Queers.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Hey, what's wrong? There's nothing
wrong with some bro love.
                                                            
ERIC grabs RYAN's ass.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Keep it tight.
                                                            
BAM! There is a gun shot from outside. RYAN instinctively
stands up and darts out the door as soon as he hears the
shot. As he steps out the door, the thief doesn't have
enough time to react, and slams right into RYAN.
                                                            
RYAN and the thief are both thrown to the floor. The thief
gets up and RYAN right after him. RYAN chases him down and
tackles the thief. Both men lie on the ground writhing in
pain. The officers who are on duty, as well as ERIC and SAM,
run up to RYAN and the thief.
                                                            
                       SAM
Oh my god! Ryan what's wrong?
                                                            
                       RYAN
I think I broke my shoulder!
                                                            
 
INT. POLICE DEPARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
The police CHIEF (47), tall, built like a linebacker, sits
at his desk as cops sit around drinking coffee and talking
outside his office. The CHIEF is doing some paperwork. An
OFFICER enters.
                                                            
                       OFFICER
Sir, can I talk to you?
                                                            
The CHIEF looks up at him then returns to his work.
                                                            

28.

                       CHIEF
Go ahead.
                                                            
                       OFFICER
Everyone is getting less confident
in the police every day. We need
to do something.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
That we do. (thinks) Who was that
guy who broke his shoulder then
still chased down the crook?
That's a pretty nice story. People
like stories like that. Who was
that?
                                                            
                       OFFICER
Cross, sir. Ryan Cross.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Give him a medal and the people
get their hero.
                                                            
Long pause.
                                                            
                       CHIEF
Well, go!
                                                            
                       OFFICER
Yes, sir!
                                                            
The CHIEF returns to his paperwork.
                                                            
 
INT. SMALL APARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
In a small, cheap, apartment the MOM we saw at the beginning
sits at the table sifting through her mail. She sees a
letter from the Bellmond Academy and opens it up.
                                                            
The little BOY swings a stick back and forth, making buzzing
sounds with each swing.
                                                            
The MOM reads the letter and something in the letter seems
to concern her.
                                                            
EXTREME CLOSE UP: WORDS IN LETTER...
                                                            
'late on tuition payment'. She picks up her cell phone and
punches a few numbers. We are able to hear the ringing of
the phone.
                                                            

29.

                       DAD (V.O.)
Hello?
                                                            
                       MOM
Rick?
                                                            
                       DAD (V.O.)
      (surprised)
Sally?
                                                            
                       MOM
Can I ask you something?
                                                            
                       DAD (V.O.)
Absolutely, what is it?
                                                            
                       MOM
It's about Andrew.
                                                            
                       DAD (V.O.)
      (voice sinks)
Oh.
                                                            
                       MOM
I know when we split up I said I
would never ask you for anything
but your son needs you.
                                                            
                       DAD (V.O.)
You mean you want money. He
doesn't need me and he doesn't
need that school.
                                                            
                       MOM
Rick, please! (looks at the boy
and brings her voice down low
again) I haven't asked you for one
thing since the divorce.
                                                            
                       DAD (V.O.)
Why do you insist on sending him
to a private school you can't
afford?
                                                            
                       MOM
Because, until the day comes that
I have no other options, Andrew
will have a good education, and I
can pay for it, I'm just behind
this month.
                                                            

30.

                       DAD (V.O.)
Alright, I'll send you a check in
the mail, over night.
                                                            
                       MOM
Thanks. (Pause) How is she?
                                                            
                       DAD (V.O.)
Who?
                                                            
                       MOM
Your wife?
                                                            
                       DAD (V.O.)
Monica? She's good, we're all
good.
                                                            
In the living room, the BOY continues to swing the stick and
pretend to fight an unseen enemy.
                                                            
                       MOM (O.S.)
Thanks. Bye.
                                                            
The MOM slinks back in her chair and scratches off an
instant win card. No luck. She throws it on a pile of other
scratch offs.In the living room, the BOY swings the stick
more violently now. With one violent swing, the BOY knocks a
beautiful vase onto the floor, smashing it to pieces.
                                                            
                       MOM
Oh, shit!
                                                            
The MOM is now standing in the living room. She is shocked.
The BOY looks sad and pathetic.
                                                            
                       MOM
That was my grandmothers vase.
                                                            
                       BOY
      (almost crying)
I'm really sorry.
                                                            
This just breaks the MOM's heart. She hugs the BOY tight and
cries too.
                                                            
                       MOM
It's okay.
                                                            
 
INT. CHRIS'S APARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
Digital alarm buzzes. CRIS reaches over and turns it off.
CHRIS pulls himself out of bed and walks out the open bed

31.

room door. As he walks out he closes the door behind him. On
the door is a sign that reads, 'Find place for party'.
                                                            
Not having seen the sign, he walks into the T.V. area and
picks up the remote. On the bottom of the remote is a note
that reads, 'Party'. He feels the note but balls it up and
throws it off to the side, without looking at it.
                                                            
He turns on the T.V. and watches it for a moment, then he
stands up and walks to the fridge. He opens the door and on
the door is another party reminder which is again unseen.
CHRIS gets out the sour milk again and lifts it to his mouth
but before he can drink he sees his wall calender and stops.
On the calender, one day is circled several times in red and
all the other days leading up to it are crossed out.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
      (slamming carton)
OH SHIT!
                                                            
CHRIS runs off. After a moment he runs back and picks up the
milk. CHRIS drinks and runs to the sink. CHRIS grabs a
marker and goes for his hand but it already has a milk note
there. CHRIS underlines the note again.
                                                            
 
INT. CHRIS'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
CHRIS is cruising down the highway, talking on his cell
phone.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Jeff! I'm freaking out! Ryan's
party is tonight and I still
haven't found a fucking place yet!
                                                            
 
INT. UNIVERSITY NUCLEAR PHYSICS LAB - DAY
                                                            
The lab is very advanced. There are lots of blinking and
whirring machines and a giant metal sphere in the middle. In
the background ERIC is working on the machines.
                                                            
                       JEFF
It's alright. Eric didn't invite
any guests and I've been too busy
to find decorations. So, none of
us did anything.
                                                            
INTERCUT BETWEEN JEFF AND CHRIS
                                                            

32.

                       CHRIS
Why in the hell would you think
that knowing nobody did their job
would ease my pain?
                                                            
                       JEFF
I don't know it seemed like the
right thing to say.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I hate you!
                                                            
                       JEFF
You're over reacting. You're a
known alarmist. You have enough
time to find a place.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Are you sure?
                                                            
                       JEFF
Yeah.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
But, I don't even know where we
could go on such short notice.
                                                            
                       JEFF
I don't know but you better find a
place soon or Ellie's going to
kill you.
                                                            
ERIC walks up to JEFF.
                                                            
                       ERIC
      (To JEFF)
Who's that?
                                                            
                       JEFF
      (To ERIC)
Chris.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
      (To JEFF)
Who's that?
                                                            
                       JEFF
      (To CHRIS)
Eric.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Put me on.
                                                            

33.

                       JEFF
No.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
What was that?
                                                            
                       JEFF
Eric wants me to put him on.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Put him on.
                                                            
                       ERIC
      (listening to the
       phone)
Yeah, put me on.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Put him on.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Put me on.
                                                            
                       JEFF
No.
                                                            
ERIC grabs for the phone and JEFF swats him away. ERIC hits
JEFF and JEFF slaps back. They have a little slap fight and
it ends when ERIC slaps JEFF hard on the back of the head.
                                                            
                       JEFF
      (To CHRIS)
Fine, I'm putting you on speaker
phone.
                                                            
JEFF presses a button on the phone and sets it down on the
table.
                                                            
                       ERIC
      (To CHRIS)
What up BITCH!
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Oh, hey dickless cock balls.
                                                            
                       ERIC
How's it going?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I don't know let me ask you're
mom. Oh, wait I'm sorry, her
mouths full.
                                                            

34.

                       ERIC
Don't talk about my mom that way.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Oh, hey. Speaking of things that
usually have a lot of people in
them, the party. Why haven't you
invited anybody yet? I'm like
literally going full melt down.
                                                            
                       ERIC
I've been busy.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
No seriously.
                                                            
                       ERIC
I'm hurt that you would insinuate
that I'm lying.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Jeff?!
                                                            
                       JEFF
He's lying.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Oh wow. Et tu Brute? Thanks Judas.
                                                            
JEFF walks away.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Yeah, you better walk away. Ya'
cock sucking...
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Really, what's your reason?
                                                            
                       ERIC
Well, how the hell am I supposed
to know Ryan's friends?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
You could just try fishing around
the station. So Jeff, what should
I do?
                                                            
                       JEFF
I don't know but you can count me
out. I have to stay here tonight.
                                                            

35.

                       CHRIS
I've got an idea. We can have the
party at the lab so you can be at
the party and you don't have to
leave.
                                                            
                       JEFF
No. We can't have unauthorized
personell here.
                                                            
                       ERIC
      (to JEFF)
Whoah, Brenda. Don't get your
panties in a knot.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Oh, I get it your insinuating I'm
a woman! That's clever! No one's
ever thought of that before!
                                                            
                       ERIC
Shut the fuck up! (To CHRIS) We
can have it here.
                                                            
                       JEFF
No we can't!
                                                            
ERIC throws something and hits JEFF square in the head. ERIC
picks up the phone and turns it off speaker phone.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Sorry about that. He's a little
grumpy today because he's a pussy!
                                                            
                       JEFF
Fuck you!
                                                            
                       ERIC
Your a cat! I meant you're a cat!
                                                            
                       CHRIS
      (laughing)
Dude, you're a dick.
                                                            
                       ERIC
He knows I'm joking, I think. Oh,
well. Anyway, we can definitely
have the party here. Just leave it
to me.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Thanks. I'll try to explain it to
Ellie.
                                                            

36.

                       ERIC
Hey Chris, if she tries sucking
out your soul just remember this
line, 'the power of Christ compels
you'. Now go! Be strong! You can
do it! You can do it! (close
phone) Good kid. Now let's get to
physisizin'.
                                                            
                       JEFF
I hope Ryan doesn't feel like we
forgot his birthday.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Nah, it'll be alright.
                                                            
                       WOMAN (V.O.)
How could you forget my birthday?!
                                                            
 
INT. HIGH RISE - NIGHT
                                                            
The young couple is in the living room of a very nice high
rise apartment.
                                                            
                       MAN
I was with my client all day. I'm
a lawyer, that's my job!
                                                            
                       WOMAN
So, I take a backseat to your job?
                                                            
                       MAN
Now, hold on a minute? Are you
telling me I can't do my job?
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Don't turn this back on me. This
is about you. It's not like you
forgot my favorite flower, you
forgot my birthday!
                                                            
                       MAN
Alright, it's still your birthday,
what do you want?
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Yeah, that's what I want. I just
want lots of stuff. Who needs love
or relationships? Matt, when are
you going to understand? I'm not
dating a car; I'm not dating a
necklace; I'm not dating a fancy
high rise apartment. I'm dating
            (MORE)

37.

                       WOMAN (cont'd)
YOU.
                                                            
                       MAN
SO WHAT DO YOU WANT!!
                                                            
                       WOMAN
You figure it out.
                                                            
The woman points to the door.
                                                            
                       MAN
Linda...
                                                            
She says nothing. The man gives up and walks out the door.
The woman collapses into the nearest chair and cries. As the
woman is crying we hear a group of joyful party goers.
                                                            
                       GROUP (V.O.)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
                                                            
 
INT. UNIVERSIY BREAKROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
CLOSE UP: BIRTHDAY CAKE
                                                            
RYAN blows out the candles and everyone claps. RYAN's arm is
in a sling.
                                                            
                       JEFF
So what did you wish for?
                                                            
                       ERIC
He can't say it fuckass or it
won't come true.
                                                            
                       RYAN
It's okay, I didn't make a wish.
(looks at ELLIE) I already have
everything I want.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
Later on, RYAN and ELLIE are standing by themselves. ELLIE
holds RYAN's good hand.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
      (indicating the
       room)
(sigh) I'm sorry about all this.
God, Chris picked a breakroom?
Well, at least he did something.
Jeff was supposed to get the
decorations but he didn't and Eric
            (MORE)

38.

                       ELLIE (cont'd)
"forgot" the guests.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Hey, stop beating yourself up. I
don't care if I have my party in a
truck stop bathroom, I'll still be
happy. Decorations might have been
a little...childish anyway and I
have everybody I want here. All I
would want is you guys anyway. I'm
just glad that Sam brought the
food. If I have food, I'm a happy
Ryan. I'm a man of simple
pleasures.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Mmm, the cake was pretty slamin'.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Yeah.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Yeah?
                                                            
                       RYAN
Yeah.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Do you like this?
                                                            
ELLIE scooches up close to RYAN and they kiss.
                                                            
                       RYAN
I love that.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
So let me see your medal.
                                                            
                       RYAN
You mean the medal the mayor gave
me? The highest award the police
force can give? The one I was
awarded for bravery and service in
the line of duty? That medal? I
don't even know if I have it on
me.
                                                            
RYAN smiles real big and uses his free hand to pull out a
box. Inside the box is the medal of heroism. RYAN hands her
the box and she marvels at it.
                                                            

39.

                       JEFF
Hey Ryan, is that the medal the
mayor gave you?
                                                            
                       RYAN
Why it sure is. Do you want to see
it?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I wanna see it.
                                                            
ELLIE hands the medal to RYAN. RYAN hands it to CHRIS who
gets there first. CHRIS passes it around.
                                                            
                       ERIC
I can't believe they gave you a
medal.
                                                            
                       RYAN
What do you mean?
                                                            
                       ERIC
I mean you did't really do
anything. The guy just ran into
you. They just gave you the thing
because you're accident proned. I
just think it's funny.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Actually, they gave me the medal
'cause some punk broke my fucking
arm and I still chased him down
and busted his ass!
                                                            
                       ERIC
Dude, what the fuck's your deal?
                                                            
                       RYAN
My "deal" is that I won a medal
and I wish you'd take it seriously
and stop being such an asshole.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Is that what this is about?
Because you wanna play hero? Look,
I know you want to be a hero but
tripping somebody doesn't qualify!
You're just a busted up douche
bag!
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Guys! Stop it! You don't need to
blow up.
                                                            

40.

'Blow up' echoes over and over. JEFF's face reads like a
billboard. He's gotten sudden inspiration which turns into
contemplation. JEFF continues to think but finds it
difficult with all the screaming. What was it he was
thinking again? God just shut up. Shut up! Just...
                                                            
                       JEFF
SHUT THE FUCK UP!!
                                                            
Everybody stops talking and gawks at JEFF. CHRIS drops his
cup.
                                                            
                       JEFF
I...I'm sorry. I...I gotta go.
                                                            
JEFF runs out the door. JEFF runs back in.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Eric?
                                                            
ERIC snaps out of the daze and runs out with JEFF. Everyone
else follows.
                                                            
 
INT. UNIVERSITY NUCLEAR PHYSICS LAB - NIGHT
                                                            
In the lab there are two rooms seperated by a piece of
glass. Like a recording studio would be. One room is the lab
and the other is the observation room. In the lab is a giant
metal sphere with a nuclear hazzard warning sign. In the lab
are other machines and computers. In the observation room is
a computer panel and a microphone. JEFF walks into the lab
and immediately begins to tinker with the sphere. Everyone
else piles into the observation room.
                                                            
ERIC pushes the button to turn on the microphone.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Hey Jeff, what's going on? What
are you thinking?
                                                            
JEFF looks up at ERIC and makes an exploding gesture with
his hands as well as an unheard 'boom' with his mouth.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Oh, I think I get what he's doing?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
What?
                                                            
                       ERIC
He's going to make a small nuclear
explosion. He thinks that the heat
and radiation will change the
            (MORE)

41.

                       ERIC (cont'd)
genetic composition of the element
we created. The resulting product
could be hot enough for long
enough to power a city. It's
genious really.
                                                            
                       SAM
Wait, did you say nuclear
explosion?
                                                            
                       ERIC
Like the bomb, yeah.
                                                            
                       SAM
Is that safe?
                                                            
                       ERIC
Yeah.
                                                            
                       SAM
Really?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Probably.
                                                            
SAM's eyes go wide and ERIC just looks at SAM and shrugs
then goes back to starring out the window. JEFF gives ERIC a
big thumbs up which ERIC returns. RYAN steps up right next
to ERIC and you can feel the tension between them. JEFF runs
into the observation room and the sphere begins to whir
louder. JEFF runs up to the panel and there is a plastic
case covering a big red button. JEFF flips open the case and
puts his finger on the big red button.
                                                            
                       JEFF
With one press of a button man
will take one giant leap forward.
Cars, planes, nay whole cities
will be powered with our fuel.
Jeffoline.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Eric oil.
                                                            
                       JEFF
In your dreams. Anyway, you are
about to witness...
                                                            
                       ERIC
Just press the damn button!
                                                            

42.

                       JEFF
In short, future, new world, we're
amazing. All right! (looks at
ERIC) See you in the history
books.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Not if I see you first.
                                                            
JEFF takes a deep breath and shoves the button. The instant
the button is pressed there is a sudden lurch and the air
turns solid.
                                                            
Not a single person moves. They freeze in time and in an
instant it's all gone and like that moment was holding them
up. When it's gone they all fall in slow motion to the
floor. ELLIE's head hits the floor.
                                                            
 
INT. SUBURBAN HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
The MAN who was kicked out by his girlfriend is in an
average suburban house. His FRIEND (33), is next to him and
he is throwing a pillow and blankets on a guest bed. The MAN
is a wreck. The FRIEND is a typical middle class guy. They
walk to the living room.
                                                            
                       MAN
Thanks for letting me stay at your
place.
                                                            
                       FRIEND
No problem.
                                                            
The friends WIFE (30's), auburn hair, walks in.
                                                            
                       WIFE
      (to MAN)
Hey Matt, you want something to
drink?
                                                            
                       MAN
Sure what do you have?
                                                            
The WIFE walks to the kitchen and the two men walk to the
living room. She opens up the fridge.
                                                            
                       WIFE
We've got tea, Diet Coke, and
water!
                                                            
                       MAN
Diet coke's great, thank you!
                                                            

43.

                       FRIEND
Make that two honey!
                                                            
The WIFE brings two Diet Cokes.
                                                            
                       WIFE
Here you go guys.
                                                            
                       MAN
You're so great Brittany, thank
you.
                                                            
She walks away. Both men open their Cokes and drink.
                                                            
                       FRIEND
So Matt, haven't seen you in a
while; what's going on?
                                                            
                       MAN
Not much, just boring lawyer
stuff. You?
                                                            
                       FRIEND
Just boring army stuff. Right now
I'm briefing guys on how to
identify and disarm or dispose of
road side bombs and IED's.
                                                            
                       MAN
Jesus man, what happened to us? We
used to hang out all the time in
high school and now you've got a
good job and a great wife...
                                                            
                       FRIEND
...and you've got a great job and
an amazing girlfriend...
                                                            
                       MAN
What, are you going to marry her?
                                                            
                       FRIEND
Hey Matt, I'm being serious. Quit
feeling sorry for yourself! Look,
despite what you might think, a
good girlfriend, she won't care
about being first all the time.
She'll respect that you love your
job, and that's what you have. You
have a really good girlfriend and
I guarantee you all she wants is a
little reminder every now and then
that she's special. It's possible
to have two number one's. Just let
            (MORE)

44.

                       FRIEND (cont'd)
her know she's forever.
                                                            
                       MAN
(gasps) I got it! Thank you so
much!
                                                            
MAN runs out the door. The FRIEND looks very proud of
himself.
                                                            
                       FRIEND
I still got it.
                                                            
 
INT. UNIVERSITY NUCLEAR PHYSICS LAB - NIGHT
                                                            
CHRIS wakes up suddenly. He's pale white and his eyes dart
around wildly. CHRIS stumbles quickly to his feet. His eyes
dart back and forth. Everyone else is still unconsious.
                                                            
CLOSE UP: CHRIS'S FACE
                                                            
In his head is a voice, his own thoughts growing louder and
louder until it's almost unbearable.
                                                            
                       CHRIS (V.O.)
Get help. Go. Get help! Get help!!
Get help!! GO!!
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. UNIVERSITY PARKING LOT - NIGHT
                                                            
Wham! CHRIS hits the pavement.
                                                            
CHRIS's whole body feels heavy. He pulls himself up onto all
fours and vomits onto the pavement. He feels weak but he
wills himself to his feet and stumbles off.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT
                                                            
CHRIS runs clumsely into the hospital and plumets to the
floor. He gets back up again and keeps going. The heat
radiates off him as he collapses on the front desk.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Help, I don't feel too...I
don't...
                                                            
The receptionist turns away from the intense heat.
                                                            

45.

                       RECEPTIONIST
I'm paging a doctor!
                                                            
                       CHRIS
No...no, I want a form...I want to
sign in.
                                                            
                       RECEPTIONIST
...but...
                                                            
                       CHRIS
GIVE ME A FORM!!!!
                                                            
The receptionist throws a clipboard with a form at him and
turns away from the steadily increasing heat once again.
CHRIS picks up the pen that's chained to the desk and begins
to scrible incoherently.
                                                            
CHRIS looks up and the receptionist is terrified. He looks
at the pen and it's melted where his fingers were. CHRIS
lifts his hand from the form and the paper is on fire. He
bats at the paper to put it out but the fire clings to his
hands. He screams as his skin burns.
                                                            
He looks around. He clutches his chest which also catches
fire. The fire consumes him in mere seconds. He's getting
weaker. He drops to the floor. He burns until death comes
and darkness. There is nothing but darkness now.
                                                            
                       LITTLE GIRL (V.O.)
No! Stop! Baxter NO! STOP!
                                                            
There are a couple of distant dog barks, a truck horn, then
the dog squeals.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
It's all white as far as the eye can see. A LITTLE GIRL sits
on her knees next to a bleeding, dying dog.
                                                            
She's crying. She looks up at CHRIS.
                                                            
                       LITTLE GIRL
Get help! There's not enough of
us! We need help!
                                                            
                       CHRIS
What?
                                                            
                       LITTLE GIRL
There's not enough of us! We need
help!! (screaming) GO!!
                                                            

46.

CHRIS spins around and sprints away. He keeps running. He
pants hard and his feet pound the floor. Loud. Boom! Boom!
Boom!
                                                            
CHRIS wakes up in a hospital bed. He gets out of bed and
runs for a few steps until he realizes it was a dream.
                                                            
 
INT. QUARINTINE ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
The room is large. Bigger than a normal hospital room. CHRIS
retreats back to the bed. CHRIS lays on the bed. He turns
around as a pair of sliding glass doors open. DR. CLIFTON
(60's), kind faced, doctors uniform, walks in with a
clipboard.
                                                            
                       DR. CLIFTON
Hi! Chris, right? (checking
clipboard) Chris...Parker?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Yeah.
                                                            
                       DR. CLIFTON
I'm Dr. Clifton. Right now you're
in the Quarintine room at St.
Joseph Hospital.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Yeah, I know. I came here.
                                                            
Dr. CLIFTON clicks his pen and makes a note on the
clipboard.
                                                            
                       DR. CLIFTON
Good, your memory seems intact. I
heard the story. You came in
boiling hot, raving mad, and
begging for a form. It's amazing
you're even alive. You seemed to
sponteneously burst into flames
and when we put you out you had no
burns. You weren't even hot. In
fact the only thing that could
have indicated that you were sick
at all was that, when you came in
here your radioactivity level was
off the charts! What were you
doing Mr. Parker? Rolling around
in nuclear waste?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Something like that.
                                                            

47.

                       DR. CLIFTON
Anyway, it too seems to have gone
away completely.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
How long have I been out?
                                                            
                       DR. CLIFTON
Two days. We've been watching you.
They paged me when you woke up.
Well, there doesn't seem to be
anything wrong with you anymore. I
would like to keep you just to
make sure but we can't keep you
anymore. It's your choice?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Anymore? You mean I can go?
                                                            
                       DR. CLIFTON
Yes but...
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I'm sorry but I just want to go.
                                                            
                       DR. CLIFTON
Fair enough. Your clothes were
burned off but we have some new
ones for you. You can change into
them and when you're done your
friends are here. They were
checked in shortly after you.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Actually, I just really need some
air.
                                                            
 
EXT. BEHIND HOSPITAL - NIGHT
                                                            
CHRIS paces around behind the hospital in his new clothes. A
page from a newspaper blows toward him and he traps it under
his foot. He picks up the paper and examines it. He tears
off a piece and puts the rest in his pocket. He puts the
paper in his hand and stares at him. The paper unexpectedly
bursts into flames. He shouts and drops the burning page to
the ground. He stares at it, wide-eyed.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Holy shit! Holy shit! Oh shit!
Shit! Shit! Shit! Woah!
                                                            

48.

He laughs and pants loudly as he paces franticly. He
considers something for a moment then pulls the whole wad
out of his pocket. He readies himself and stares down at the
paper. Nothing.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Come on, light. Come on, come on,
come on. Light!
                                                            
The paper gets hotter and begins to singe at the ends. The
wad catches fire and he drops it onto the ground but his
hand is still on fire. This time he's not scared.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Feels good.
                                                            
CHRIS flicks his hand up and down quickly and it goes out.
                                                            
He stares at his hand again and in that hand a flame
appears. The flame grows until it's a roaring fire in his
hand. He laughs joyously. He sees a brick wall and without
thinking he hurls his arm towards it. Nothing happens. His
hand is still on fire. He tries it a few more times and on
the last time the fire leaves his hand and explodes on the
wall. He stares at the wall for a moment.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Oh my god! Oh my fucking god!
                                                            
CHRIS explodes with excitement and begins dancing around.
ELLIE walks out in the middle of an air kicking session.
CHRIS doesn't notice ELLIE until he jumps in a circle and
sees her. He stops and turns bright red with embarresment.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Hey.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Hi.
                                                            
They can't hold it any longer and they laugh it off. They
look away from each other.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Am I interupting something?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Yeah...no, no. I was just going to
do the worm next but it's cool.
You know, some other time.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Can I tell you a secret?
                                                            

49.

                       CHRIS
Yeah, anything.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
No, you'll laugh.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I think I got you topped in that
department.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
I'm serious.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Okay, I won't laugh. What is it?
                                                            
ELLIE leans in.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
I think I can move stuff with my
mind.
                                                            
CHRIS laughs hard. ELLIE hits him.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
You fucking asshole, you said...
                                                            
                       CHRIS
No, no, no. Ellie, watch.
                                                            
CHRIS holds out his hand where she can see it and the air
bends and flows up from his hand. Then the air slowly
materializes into fire. The fire flows around his fingers
and his hand and beautifuly lights up the night.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Wow.
                                                            
CHRIS looks up at the stars and so does ELLIE.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Look at the sky. I want to be
there. I wish...God! I just wish I
could fly. Oh God, what I wouldn't
give to be able to fly.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Me, I think I prefer the ground.
                                                            
They both look up at each other. Their faces are illuminated
in the warm glow of the fire. The night around them is cold
and dark. The scene is interupted by ERIC coming through the
door. ELLIE and ERIC jump.
                                                            

50.

                       ELLIE
Oh, Fuck! You scared the shit out
of me! I thought you were...
                                                            
ERIC pulls out a cigarette.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Yeah, what ever. You might not be
able to tell by the look of
fucking enthusiasm on my face but
I actually don't care. So..
                                                            
Shivering in the cold, ERIC pulls out a lighter and lights
the cigarete. He takes a deep breath and blows billows of
smoke into the alley.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Hey, by the way, look at this.
This is cool. Alright. You
watching? VOOM!
                                                            
ERIC completely vanishes. The only thing that can be seen is
the cigarete dangling from his lips. Smoke whirls backwards
from the cigarete and fills his invisible lugs. Then in a
sudden he reappears.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
You mean you too?
                                                            
                       ERIC
You mean you guys...?
                                                            
They nod.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Well...what exactly?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Uh, fire, I guess.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Um, Telekinesis?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
The others?
                                                            
ERIC nods
                                                            
                       ERIC
Jeff's stronger. Sammy's faster.
And as for Ryan...I don't know.
Electricity I guess? He sparking.
The lights in the hopital keep
flickering. Crazy shit. Crazy
            (MORE)

51.

                       ERIC (cont'd)
shit. Well, night.
                                                            
There comes a sudden electronic buzzing that gets louder and
louder.
                                                            
 
INT. CHRIS'S APARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
A digital alarm clock says 8:00 A.M. CHRIS turns off the
alarm and gets out of bed. He gets dressed and looks at the
note on the door about the party. He tears off the note and
procceeds to tear off all the other notes.
                                                            
He pulls the last post-it note off the fridge and the fridge
is completely bare. CHRIS takes out the bad milk, sniffs it
and throws it away. He then takes food out of the fridge and
makes breakfast. CHRIS eats, washes dishes, and cleans the
apartment. Finaly CHRIS stands and admires his new, clean
apartment.
                                                            
 
INT. WALMART - DAY
                                                            
The MOM and BOY walk up to the cash register where the
CASHIER (17), smacks gum loudly. The MOM puts the toy gun on
the counter and the CASHIER rings it up.
                                                            
                       CASHIER
20.99.
                                                            
The MOM points down and a hand comes up from behind the
counter and puts some crumpled up bills down. The CASHIER
leans over the counter and sees the little BOY smiling back
up at her.
                                                            
                       BOY
You can keep the change.
                                                            
The CASHIER straightens up and looks at the mom. The CASHIER
shrugs and goes back to work. She prints off a reciept then
puts the reciept and the toy in the bag.
                                                            
                       CASHIER
Have a nice day.
                                                            
The MOM grabs the bag and hands it to the BOY. She then
walks to an instant lotto machine, buys a scratch off, and
walks away.
                                                            
 

52.

INT. UNIVERSITY - DAY
                                                            
ERIC and ELLIE walk into an empty dark room. Perpendicular
to the wall is an MRI scaning machine. ELLIE is wearing a
hospital gown and ERIC wears a lab coat.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Just lay down here.
                                                            
ELLIE lays down and ERIC walks into the control room. ELLIE
starts sliding back into the machine. ELLIE laughs.
                                                            
                       ERIC
      (Over speaker)
What is it?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
It's funny. It's just like House.
                                                            
The machine whirs to life.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
JEFF stands in front of a camera. He is in a big empty room.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Test 8. Subject: Ryan Cross.
Purpose: To further understand
Ryan's ability to generate
electricity. This time I am
testing to see how many watts he
is capable of generating. I have
set up two metal poles with
testing equipment. The poles have
been grounded to prevent any
incedents. Begin.
                                                            
RYAN walks up and stands between two metal poles. RYAN
clutches the metal poles tightly. He squeezes the poles and
flexes as hard as he can. Electricity begins to surge down
his arm.
                                                            
RYAN begins to shake and he lets go. The electricity
continues to flow out his finger tips. Electricity charges
all around the room. Bolts shoot around and one stray bolt
hits the camera. RYAN stops.
                                                            
                       JEFF
NO! No, you fried my camera!
                                                            

53.

                       RYAN
Sorry, I got caught up in the
moment. I can't believe it, you
know, having all this power.
                                                            
JEFF tends to his camera and RYAN looks at JEFF's glass of
water. RYAN makes a gun with his fingers and shoots a bolt
of lightning at it. The glass shatters.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Whoah, what was that?!
                                                            
JEFF looks up and RYAN is gone. He sighs and walks over to
the table. He begins to wipe it up with a rag when he
notices the computer screen. 20,000 kilowatts. JEFF is
floored.
                                                            
 
INT. UNIVERSITY BREAKROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Sandwich stuff is piled up on the table.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Three...
                                                            
SAM wiggles his fingers.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Two...
                                                            
SAM cocks his eyebrow.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
One!
                                                            
SAM moves inhumanly fast making the sandwich. All in two
seconds. Put meat, spread mustard, spread mayo, lettuce,
pickle, cheese, bread, done.
                                                            
                       SAM
Stop!
                                                            
ELLIE stops the stopwatch.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
2.68 seconds!
                                                            
                       ERIC
That's impressive.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Hey, watch this! Hand me some
aluminum foil!
                                                            

54.

ELLIE tears off some aluminum foil and hands it to RYAN.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Has anyone here seen aluminum foil
in a microwave?
                                                            
RYAN puts the aluminum foil on the table and his hands on
either side. It stays like this for a minute then the little
scrap of foil begins to spark. RYAN moves his hands away and
it stops.
                                                            
                       SAM
Nice.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Oh, by the way Ryan, I wanted to
ask you. What happened to your
collar bone? You're not wearing
your sling.
                                                            
                       RYAN
I don't know. It must have been
that night when we got blasted.
It's just fixed.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Hey guys, watch this.
                                                            
CHRIS lies down on his stomach. He squints and tries hard to
force something. Nothing. He tries again. He squezes real
hard and goes red in the face. He begins to float. Only for
a moment then slowly glides back down to the ground. CHRIS
exits. ERIC appears.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Thanks man, I owe you one.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Hell yeah you do.
                                                            
ERIC hands CHRIS a beer and they clink bottles.
                                                            
                       BOTH
Cheers.
                                                            
They drink.
                                                            
 
INT. COMPUTER ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
JEFF sits at a computer. The whole room is dark and the only
source of light is the flickering computer screen. The door
opens and JEFF jumps at the sudden noise. SAM walks in. JEFF

55.

squints at the light coming from the door and holds his hand
up to his face to block it.
                                                            
                       SAM
Hey.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Sam? Hey, could you close the
door? You know, the light it's...
                                                            
Sam closes the door.
                                                            
                       SAM
Hey, you're missing the party.
What's...uh...what's going on?
What's this?
                                                            
                       JEFF
I'm going over the data from the
tests. It's more than I ever
expected. It's incredible. Look at
Chris for example. He has a sac in
his chest that produces methane
and a blood system like weave of
veins running the methane through
his body to the skin and like wise
a system of wires that resemble
the nervous system that heat the
skin anywhere at any given time
high enough to light the methane.
He can control the fire too...with
his mind, like Telekinesis. Well
not Telekinesis not really,
no...it's...it's...Pyrokinesis!
Are you seeing this! Are you
understanding this! We got blasted
with radiation and...and...bam!
We're different. It didn't make
sense until I found this.(Pointing
to the MRI on the screen) It's the
same in every one of us. This spot
is lit up like Christmas!
                                                            
                       SAM
So, what about it?
                                                            
                       JEFF
It's new! Brand new! Well it's
always been there physically but
it's been inactive for who knows
how long in human existence. I did
some more tests and it responded
to radiation. So my guess is that
this is the part that decides your
            (MORE)

56.

                       JEFF (cont'd)
"power" as it were. But the thing
I can't wrap my head around is
what is the evolutionary purpose
of this part that's only activated
by radiation. It's almost like
this part of the brain was put in
hundreds of thousands of years ago
just for us to find today. Like we
were meant to find it. Like
something wanted us to find it.
                                                            
                       SAM
Are you saying God did this?
                                                            
                       JEFF
No...but I'm not saying he didn't.
                                                            
 
INT. HIGH RISE - NIGHT
                                                            
The young attractive WOMAN watches T.V. on the couch. There
is a knock at the door. She walks over to the door. Standing
at the doorway is the young MAN.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
I'm waiting.
                                                            
                       MAN
I've got something for you.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Is it shiny?
                                                            
The MAN gives a goofy smiling nod and the WOMAN slams the
door in his face.
                                                            
                       MAN
Please let me in.
                                                            
The WOMAN opens the door and the MAN stands still smiling at
the door.
                                                            
                       MAN
At least see the gift before you
throw me out.
                                                            
The MAM pulls an envolope out of his jacket and hands it to
the WOMAN. She opens the envolope and pulls out a card. The
card has a picture of a happy puppy. The WOMAN brims widely
at the picture and opens the card. On the inside it says 'I
WOOF you'. Tears stream down her face and she laughs. She

57.

throws her arms around the MAN and kisses him, first on the
lips and then all over his face. The MAN pulls her off him.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
How much did it cost?
                                                            
                       MAN
99 cents.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
It's just what I wanted.
                                                            
They kiss.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
I thought you said it was shiny.
                                                            
                       MAN
There's one more thing.
                                                            
He pulls out a small black box and gets down on one knee.
                                                            
                       MAN
You said you did't want any shiny
expensive things but I hope you'll
make one exception. I want you
forever, for richer or for poorer,
in sickness and in health, 'till
death do us part. So, Linda Marie
Richards, will you mary me?
                                                            
The WOMAN can not speak through her sobs and tears but she
gives a smiling nod and he slips the ring on her finger.
They both fall into each others embrace.
                                                            
 
INT. SAMMY'S - DAY
                                                            
The resturaunt is busy, busier than it's ever been. Three
men work the counter. One takes orders (Orders), the second
takes the money (Money), and the third hands out the food
(Food).
                                                            
                       ORDERS
Sorry ma'am, but the restaurants
full. Do you wanna get that to go?
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Sure.
                                                            
                       ORDERS
What would you like?
                                                            

58.

SWITCH
                                                            
                       MONEY
Hello sir. Can I see your ticket?
                                                            
The man hands MONEY his ticket. MONEY punches some keys on
the cash register.
                                                            
                       MONEY
21.50.
                                                            
SWITCH
                                                            
                       FOOD
7, 15, 27, 42!
                                                            
People come up to get their food. Back to ORDERS. He
seperates the original and the carbon copy. He hands the
original to the WOMAN and the copy he takes back to the
order window. He puts the form on the clip and rings the
bell. SAM appears in the window places a brown bag in the
window and takes an order form.
                                                            
He does this several times. Places bag, takes form. Zip zip.
Bag, form. ORDERS places a form and FOOD takes a bag. It's
fast and efficient. Else where in the resturaunt, ELLIE,
CHRIS, and JEFF sit at a booth. The table is covered with
half eaten food. CHRIS stares at something. RYAN walks up to
the table.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Hey! When did Sam get help?!
                                                            
                       JEFF
Yesterday! He needed help with all
the customers he's been getting
lately!
                                                            
                       RYAN
Why?! The food's not that good!
                                                            
                       JEFF
That's not why they come! They
come because he's the fastest!
                                                            
                       ELLIE
I'm proud of him!
                                                            
Everyone nods their heads. Pause.
                                                            
                       RYAN
I liked it better when he was
failing!
                                                            

59.

They all show their agreement.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Hey Ellie, I think that guy's
checking you out.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Which guy?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
That one.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
He is not.
                                                            
The guy gives a little nod in their direction.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Oh god. That guy's checking me
out.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Oh god. He's so unattractive.
                                                            
JEFF nods slightly. Just then ERIC breaks through the crowd
and walks up to the table.
                                                            
                       ERIC
I need to talk to Ryan.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Okay.
                                                            
                       ERIC
I NEED to TALK to RYAN!
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Oh! Um...some guy's checking me
out so I should...you know...hit
on him?
                                                            
ELLIE gags a little. She signals to CHRIS to go with her.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I should help you?
                                                            
He gives her a look that says 'What the Fuck?' and they
leave.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Um...excuse.
                                                            
JEFF takes off. ERIC sits down across from RYAN.
                                                            

60.

                       ERIC
Ryan, I'm sorry.
                                                            
                       RYAN
What?!
                                                            
                       ERIC
I'm sorry!
                                                            
                       RYAN
What?!
                                                            
                       ERIC
Jesus! (beat) I'm sorry! I didn't
realize that that medal meant so
much to you!
                                                            
                       RYAN
It's not the stupid fucking medal!
It was me! I knew it didn't mean
shit! I just wanted to play hero
for a while, like you said! I
should be apolagizing to you!
                                                            
                       ERIC
Well!
                                                            
                       RYAN
Well what?!
                                                            
                       ERIC
So apologize to me mother fucker!
                                                            
They laugh and share a nice handshake. CHRIS, ELLIE, and
JEFF walk up.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
That's so cute!
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I'm waiting for the big kiss.
                                                            
 
INT. SAMMY'S - NIGHT
                                                            
ERIC, ELLIE, RYAN, CHRIS, and JEFF sit at their regular
booth each holding a full glass of beer, except for JEFF who
has a glass of Coke. SAM is fiddling in the back. Everyone
chants 'Come on' to SAM.
                                                            

61.

                       ERIC
Come on man! I need to get drunk.
I'm not happy until I'm pissing in
something.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Yeah, come on!
                                                            
                       ERIC
Shut up you underaged mother
fucker! Enjoy your Coke.
                                                            
                       JEFF
What ever.
                                                            
SAM comes out from the back holding an order book.
                                                            
                       SAM
This right here, is your tab.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Holy shit! You kept up with that?
                                                            
                       SAM
I thought it would be good for
blackmailing or if one of you won
the lottery or something. Now
watch.
                                                            
SAM pulls out a lighter and holds the flame up to the order
book. The book ignites and they all cheer.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
To success!
                                                            
                       ALL
Cheers!
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I've been thinking-
                                                            
                       ERIC
Did it hurt?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Ha ha. Fuck you. Well, this city
is in a bad way. I don't think
anyone is arguing that. Crime is
higher than we've ever seen it and
the police, no offense Ryan, but
they are quite frankly not doing
their job. I say we dress up in
costumes, shield our identity, and
we take the fight back to the
            (MORE)

62.

                       CHRIS (cont'd)
streets. On their own turf. Just
like real super heroes. What do
you think?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Come on Chris, really?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I'm just saying. Why do you think
that the heroes in the comic books
fight crime? They've got it
figured out. They realize that
when you're good at something you
should persue it. Use it to help
people. You know, better the
world.
                                                            
                       JEFF
What about The Punisher?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
What?
                                                            
                       JEFF
The Punisher.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
What about the punisher?
                                                            
                       JEFF
He didn't want to better the
world. He just wanted revenge.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Well, he wasn't a super hero now
was he?
                                                            
                       JEFF
Yes he was.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Nuh uhn.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Yuh huh.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Was not times infinity.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Damn it!
                                                            

63.

                       CHRIS
Come on guys! I'm serious about
this, we can help people.
                                                            
Beat.
                                                            
                       ERIC
He's right. I'm in. Ryan?
                                                            
                       RYAN
I'll do it.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Ellie?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Of course I'm in.
                                                            
Long pause.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Sam?
                                                            
                       SAM
You guys do realize that what your
talking about is criminal, right?
                                                            
All nod.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
And?
                                                            
                       SAM
No! A resounding no!
                                                            
Everyone turns to JEFF.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Jeff?
                                                            
JEFF gets very timid all of a sudden.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Well, I don't know. I mean, I'd
have to think about it. What I'm
saying is, it sounds dangerous.
I've never even been in a fight
before. People are going to be
shooting at us.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Well, you don't have to do it if
you don't want to.
                                                            

64.

                       JEFF
Well, wait, I didn't say that. I
just said I had to think about it.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Good, you should think about it.
                                                            
                       JEFF
You know what, I don't need to
think about it. I'll do it.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Alright!
                                                            
They all toast glasses, except for CHRIS. ERIC looks up and
CHRIS is walking out the front door.
                                                            
 
EXT. OUTSIDE SAMMY'S - NIGHT
                                                            
CHRIS stands outside in the 40 degree weather in a T-shirt
and jeans. CHRIS exhales condinsation into the chilly night
air. He stands and admires the night sky, taking in the
fresh air. ERIC walks out in a hooded sweatshirt. He pulls
out a packet of cigarettes and pops one in his mouth. ERIC
digs down in his pockets but can't find a lighter. He looks
at CHRIS.
                                                            
                       ERIC
      (Offering
       cigarette)
Do you mind?
                                                            
CHRIS takes the cigarette and pinches the tip between his
thumb and forefinger. The cigarette lights and CHRIS passes
it back to ERIC.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Thanks.
                                                            
ERIC takes a deep puff.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Oh yeah. Do you want one?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I don't smoke.
                                                            
                       ERIC
I know. I'm hoping you'll start.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
No thanks.
                                                            

65.

                       ERIC
Good, it's a terrible fucking
addiction. I hate it.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
So why do you want me to start?
                                                            
                       ERIC
I don't know. Missery loves
company, I guess.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Why don't you stop?
                                                            
                       ERIC
I've resigned to the fact that I
don't have enough will power to
quit. I've tried but it never
lasts for long. I should have
never fucking started in the first
place. I have an addictive
personality. Cigarettes, video
games, T.V., caffeine, fucking
candy! I'm addicted to candy. Can
you believe that?
                                                            
They chuckle.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Jesus. I can't stop eating candy.
Candy and salty snacks...and fast
food. Junk food in general. It's a
fucking wonder I'm still skinny.
So, you wanna fight crime, huh?
                                                            
CHRIS nods.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Fucking Christ! That sounds like a
lot of fun. I won't lie to you,
that sounds really fucking fun.
Like beating up bad guys and shit.
Fuck. I know that you know how
much I love comic books and action
movies and video games and shit.
                                                            
Just then ELLIE steps out onto the side walk. ERIC looks
uncomfortably at the two of them.
                                                            
                       ERIC
I had better go inside.
                                                            

66.

ERIC takes one more drag fom his cigartte and stomps it out.
Then he walks back into the restuarant. There is an awkward
silence between the two of them. CHRIS looks over at her and
she shivers from the cold.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
You cold?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Yeah, I'm really fucking cold.
                                                            
CHRIS walks over to a trash can and tosses a fire ball into
it and the trash ignites. ELLIE warms herself by the trash
fire. There is another, less awkward, silence as they gaze
at the dancing flames.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Do you like me?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Excuse me?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Be honest. Do you like me?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Um, I'm going out with Ryan.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
That wasn't the question.
                                                            
ELLIE thinks for a second.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Honestly? Yeah, I like you.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Really? What do you like about me?
Is it my devilish good looks?
                                                            
With this CHRIS gives a wink and ELLIE laughs.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
I do like you. I like you alot,
but I think I love Ryan. I feel
like you and Ryan are fighting it
out for me and I'm stuck in the
middle. You guys want me to choose
and I chose Ryan. You come in a
close second though, if that
helps.
                                                            

67.

                       CHRIS
It doesn't but thanks. No, actualy
I think, I don't know. I think I'm
okay with that.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Really? Just like that?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Yeah, I mean. I don't think it's
fair to make you choose. You would
still choose him and I would just
loose both of you as friends.
Plus, I think I always knew there
was a part of you that liked me.
I've held onto the hope that one
day I'll get a chance with you.
That sounds wierd.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
A little.
                                                            
There's another long silence.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Well I should go. So Ellie, if
Ryan ever leaves you or dies...
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Will you wait for me?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
No, I'm not that desperate. If
some one else comes along I'll
forget you in a second.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Good, no matter what happens I
hope you're happy.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
You too.
                                                            
CHRIS begins to walk away and ELLIE stops him.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Hey Chris. Do you want to fly?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Yeah, yeah I do.
                                                            
ELLIE walks close to CHRIS. ELLIE closes her eyes and CHRIS
begins to rise. Then she begins to rise with him until they

68.

are hovering together. ELLIE flies to him and rests her body
against his. He's suprised and wraps his arms around her to
comfort her.
                                                            
 
INT. SMALL APARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
The MOM pops a VHS into an old tape player. The BOY plays
with his new gun. He marches back and forth.
                                                            
                       BOY
Alright men! This is the time to
kill the bad guys! Attack!
                                                            
War sounds can be heard as if he were in a real battle. Men
let out battle cries, explosions resound.
                                                            
CUT TO: T.V.
                                                            
Sounds stop.
                                                            
                       TV
Because of the game; instead of
the usual program we bring you the
news.
                                                            
MOM groans and walks to the kitchen.
                                                            
                       TV
Hello. Here is today's top story.
Investigations into the police
department Wednesday revealed that
the station is not up to standard.
The station is under staffed and
as a result the officers are often
overworked, sometimes working for
up to 18 hours straight. The cars
often need work and...
                                                            
The MOM opens the fridge and a lotto ticket can be seen
taped to the door. The MOM gets out some grape jelly. She
walks to the table and sets the jelly next to the bread
basket. She opens the pantry and fetches the peanut butter.
She sets to work making her PB&J. When she's finished she
sits down at the table with her sandwich, the scratch and
win, and a glass of milk she just poured. The card reads
'Luck O' the Irish'.
                                                            
Penny in hand she carefully surveys the card, picks a
clover, and scratches it off. A pot of gold. Looks,
scratches, second pot of gold. A glimmer appears in her
eyes. Picks third one. Scratch. Scratch, Scratch. Sad
leprechaun. That is the most unholy little leprechaun. The

69.

MOM sets down her card and bites her sandwich. She takes a
swig of her milk.
                                                            
                       TV
Todays winning numbers are 7, 15,
27, 42.
                                                            
The MOM gets a look. She glances to the lotto ticket on the
fridge. She runs over to the fridge and tears it off the
fridge. She darts to the living room and rewinds the tape.
Play.
                                                            
                       TV
Todays winning numbers are 7, 15,
27, 42.
                                                            
The MOM explodes!
                                                            
                       MOM
I won! I won! I won, I'm rich!
                                                            
She scoops up her son and lowers her voice to a whisper.
                                                            
                       MOM
Our troubles are over. No more
problems. You can finish your
schooling and you can go to
college. It'll be okay. It'll be
okay. I love you so much.
                                                            
                       BOY
I love you too, mommy.
                                                            
Switch focus to the T.V.
                                                            
                       TV
Excuse me, we're getting breaking
news that there is a group of
vigilantes with "Super Powers".
That can't be right. Well I'm
being told it is and so we go now
to Tina.
                                                            
MONTAGE
                                                            
1) CNN REPORTER
                                                            
                       CNN
Last week we talked about the
super fast chef. Now from the same
area are five super powered
heroes.
                                                            

70.

2) CONNAN O'BRIAN
                                                            
                       CONNAN
      (Laughing)
I couldn't even make this up if I
tried. Honest to god. Five super
heroes running around in masks and
tights. Dick Chaney just called he
wants his tights back. I'm sorry
that's just not right.
                                                            
3) Attack of the Show
                                                            
                       KEVIN
There are actual super heroes!!
                                                            
                       OLIVIA
Isn't that awesome! This is real!
They can do stuff like shoot
lightling, cast fire, one is super
strong, one can lift stuff with
her mind, and one can turn
freaking invisible!
                                                            
                       KEVIN
And they're fighting crime which
makes them, not just freaking
cool, but also nice people.
                                                            
4)LOCAL ANCHOR
                                                            
                       LOCAL
I'm here on scene where just
earlier today, the super hero team
thwarted a bank robbery.
                                                            
5) Same anchor
                                                            
                       LOCAL
...where just earlier today the
super hero team caught an arsonist
in the act of comiting arson.
                                                            
6) Same
                                                            
                       LOCAL
...saved a bus full of children.
                                                            
                       LOCAL
...put out a wild fire.
                                                            
                       LOCAL
...rescued a kitten from a tree.
                                                            

71.

7) CNBC
                                                            
                       STAN LEE
Where's my money? I'm Stan
freaking Lee. I created comic
books. I've been doing comic books
since before these bums existed!
I'm Stan Lee. I AM comic books!
                                                            
8) CNBC
                                                            
                       CNBC
So Dr. Muntz, what do you think
could have caused this?
                                                            
                       SCIENTIST
Well, any number of things.
Evolution, genetic
experimentation...
                                                            
9) CNBC
                                                            
                       STAN LEE
Radiation.
                                                            
                       CNBC
Radiation?
                                                            
                       STAN LEE
Absolutely. I know radiation when
I see it and this is radiation.
                                                            
                       CNBC
Wouldn't that just give them
cancer or radiation poisoning?
                                                            
                       STAN LEE
Absolutely not. I know super
heroes and these guys reek of
radiation.
                                                            
10) Local news.
                                                            
Show clips of protestors with signs like, 'Powers are a sin
against god!' and 'Only one god!'
                                                            
                       LOCAL
Not everyone is happy or excited
about the super hero phenomenon.
Some are calling for the Super
Heroes to give up and repent. So
far no reponse from the Heroes.
                                                            
 

72.

INT. BAR - NIGHT
                                                            
Three guys sit at a table, all in their 30's.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Hey guys! Did you here that?
                                                            
                       NOLAN
What?
                                                            
                       ALEX
The guy on T.V. just said that a
bunch of religious nuts are trying
to get the heroes to repent for
there sins.
                                                            
                       NOLAN
Fucking, crazy religious people.
                                                            
                       ISAAC
One of those vigilante assholes
smashed my car.
                                                            
                       NOLAN
Your Nissan? I liked that car.
                                                            
                       ISAAC
Yeah, me too but mostly I hate car
shopping. You have to consider the
gas mileage, the safety, the
salesman is breathing down your
neck, now he's gotta talk to his
supervisor, and on and on...
                                                            
                       ALEX
That sucks. I like the heroes but
they need someone watching them. I
don't like the idea that one group
could have so much unchecked
power. Everything in this country
needs to be supervised, that's why
our government works. Limited
powers.
                                                            
                       NOLAN
Not to mention that they still
seem very untrained. They're wild
and reckless and it's very very
dangerous.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Yeah.
                                                            

73.

                       ISAAC
Yeah.
                                                            
They all drink.
                                                            
 
INT. BANK - DAY
                                                            
The MOM walks in through the sliding glass door with a
jacket on one arm and a check in her hand. She walks up to
the form desk. She fills out a deposit slip and takes it to
the TELLER (23), long black hair, at the counter.
                                                            
                       TELLER
You want to make a deposit?
For...$300,000! (lowers voice) Are
you the lady who won the lottery?
                                                            
                       MOM
Yeah.
                                                            
                       TELLER
What are you going to do with all
that cash? Like buy a boat or
something?
                                                            
                       MOM
Um, I have a little boy so I'm
going to pay for his education.
                                                            
                       TELLER
Oh, that sucks.
                                                            
                       MOM
Not really.
                                                            
                       TELLER
You know what I would get if I won
the lottery?
                                                            
                       MOM
I have no clue.
                                                            
The TELLER leans in.
                                                            
                       TELLER
A boob job. Like, a really nice
boob job.
                                                            
                       MOM
Have a nice day.
                                                            
 

74.

INT. UNKNOWN BUILDING - NIGHT
                                                            
The LEAD RADICAL (30's), messy hair, suit and tie, tie is
loose, top shirt button is unbuttoned, stands in front of a
group. The room is dark and the audience is all in shadows.
The man in front is illuminated by a battery powered lamp.
                                                            
                       SLATE
We are facing an enemy! An enemy
among us! These people have power!
Power enough to kill you without
any effort at all! They seem
harmless enough but what do you
think they would do when their
backs are against the wall! These
people are vigilantes! Criminals!
And what are the police doing!
They support it! No nation can
exist that gives even an ounce of
law for an pound of security! Are
you with me?
                                                            
Everyone cheers.
                                                            
                       SLATE
You with me?!
                                                            
Everyone cheers.
                                                            
                                         FADE TO BLACK
                                                            
Screen remains black. Sounds can be heard. Sounds of a
massive fight in the street. Gunshots, people scream, and
explosions.
                                                            
 
EXT. STREET - DAY
                                                            
What is revealed is a street that is torn and in ruins. Cars
are flipped and on fire. Debris is all over the ground. The
pavement in craked and torn. People lay dead.
                                                            
 
INT. SAMMY'S - DAY
                                                            
RYAN, ERIC, ELLIE, and CHRIS are stationed at their favorite
table. ERIC scribbles on a pad of paper.
                                                            
                       ERIC
I think I got an idea for a super
hero name. Do you want to hear it?
                                                            

75.

                       RYAN
No.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Okay, fine; I'll tell you. (pause)
Nowhere man.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Oh, you mean like the Beatles
song?
                                                            
                       ERIC
Wait, that's a Beatles song? Damn
it. Well, that's it. I'm out of
ideas.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
How about Captain Invisible?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
No-see-ums?
                                                            
                       JEFF
Invis-o-man?
                                                            
                       RYAN
Hollow man?
                                                            
                       ERIC
That's not bad.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Movie tittle.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Damn it!
                                                            
Just then CANDICE (20), thin, mildly attractive, walks up to
them.
                                                            
                       CANDICE
Eric? Eric I thought that was you!
                                                            
ERIC summons false sincerity.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Candice, it's so...good to see
you. Guys, this is Candice. She's
my ex.
                                                            
                       CANDICE
More than just that.
                                                            

76.

                       ERIC
      (laughing)
No, it pretty much just stops
there.
                                                            
She thinks he's joking and laughs loudly.
                                                            
                       CANDICE
I think I saw you on TV. Where did
I see you?
                                                            
                       ERIC
I think I just have a familiar
face. You know, I get that I look
like Hugh Jackman, a lot.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Just younger.
                                                            
                       RYAN
And less muscular.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
And without a cute Australian
accent.
                                                            
                       ERIC
      (To Ellie)
I hate you! I hope you know that!
                                                            
She laughs again.
                                                            
                       CANDICE
God you guys are a riot. No,
that's not it. Oh well, it'll come
to me later. God, it's been so
long!
                                                            
                       ERIC
      (laughing)
Fortunately!
                                                            
Again, a laugh.
                                                            
                       CANDICE
Come here and give me a hug.
                                                            
They hug and ERIC mouthes 'Help' to the others.
                                                            
                       CANDICE
Well, I need to go.
                                                            

77.

                       ERIC
Oh man, that's a shame.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Oh no, are you sure you can't
stay?
                                                            
ERIC give ELLIE a look of disbelief. CANDICE looks at ERIC
and ERIC quickly smiles back.
                                                            
                       ERIC
No, we wouldn't want to make you
late.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
No, it's okay, I have time.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Oh...yay!
                                                            
CANDICE turns around and ERIC mimicks stabbing her. ERIC
sits on the outside.
                                                            
                       JEFF
So, what do you do?
                                                            
                       CANDICE
Dance.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Oh cool, Jazz, Ballet...
                                                            
                       CANDICE
Pole.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Oh.
                                                            
ERIC points out the window.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Look! It's that thing you like!
                                                            
She looks.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Oh, you got me I looked.
                                                            
ERIC is gone.
                                                            
                       CANDICE
Where'd he go?
                                                            

78.

                       CHRIS
I think he went to the bathroom.
It's probably going to take a
while.
                                                            
                       CANDICE
Oh okay, well, I gotta go but tell
him I said bye.
                                                            
She leaves. ERIC reappears.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Thanks. I'm done with these.
Anybody want my fries?
                                                            
JEFF charges through the crowd. He drops a stack of papers
on the table.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Here it is. I went online. This is
everything I could turn up on the
extremist group. They call them
selves the Seven Gates. They're
wanted for many things, not the
least of which is what they've
done because of us. Are these for
me?
                                                            
He pops some fries in his mouth.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Their leader is Jonathan Slate
he's the creepy looking guy right
here. This picture is old though.
He's wanted by the FBI for many
things including hijacking a ship
that was shipping a lot of rare
animals from Africa. There's also
a lot of cases of terroristic
activities, vandalism, and
inciting a riot. These guys have a
lot of experience and they've
gotten good at not getting caught.
This is the good news. They never
stay anywhere more than a few
weeks so this whole thing will fix
itself.
                                                            
                       ERIC
And until they leave they just get
to keep killing? And then once
they leave what?
                                                            

79.

                       ELLIE
Then we're really fucked because
then we can't even stop them.
                                                            
                       JEFF
What do you mean stop them? If the
FBI can't catch these guys then
there's no way in hell we can.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
We need to find them somehow.
                                                            
                       RYAN
No, Jeff's right. I wanna catch
these guys as much as you do but
they have more experience with
avoiding capture them we have at
capturing anybody. Face it.
There's just no way.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
You don't know what you're talking
about. Quit being such a dick.
                                                            
CHRIS storms off.
                                                            
 
INT. DRESS SHOP - DAY
                                                            
The young couple walks into a little dress shop where they
have lots of wedding dresses.
                                                            
                       ATTENDANT
Yes, can I help you?
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Yes, I need a wedding dress.
                                                            
                       ATTENDANT
Alright, well, that's what we
have. Why don't you just look
around and if anything catches
your eye just call me?
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Thank you.
                                                            
They wander around. The WOMAN looks around at dresses that
interest her and the MAN looks completely uninterested. She
looks back and sees that he doesn't care.
                                                            

80.

                       WOMAN
Honey if you don't want to be here
you don't have to.
                                                            
                       MAN
No, I want to be here. Well, I
don't want to be HERE, but I want
to be with you. I want to be
involved in the wedding proccess.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
I love that about you.
                                                            
They kiss.
                                                            
                       MAN
Plus, I'm sorry, but I don't like
your friends.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Ugh, don't apologize. I hate my
friends, they all drink martinis
and think they're in sex and the
city. It's sad really. They're all
married to rich husbands and don't
do anything but sit around the
pool.
                                                            
The MAN looks at her.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Yes, I have a rich boyfriend but I
have my decorating business.
                                                            
                       MAN
Yup, you're a big, grown up girl
now.
                                                            
The MAN applauds.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Yeah, whatever. Oh, here I love
this one. Excuse me miss!
                                                            
 
INT. SAMMY'S - DAY
                                                            
The lunch rush is over and most everyone has cleared out.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Ryan, I'm sorry I lost it.
                                                            

81.

                       RYAN
It's okay.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I always think that everything
will work out. I just got mad when
you tried to tell me the truth. It
wasn't your fault.
                                                            
                       ERIC
You know what this needs? Some
drinks. Hey, Sam! Five beers!
                                                            
                       SAM
Yeah, sure! I'll get those right
out to you.
                                                            
SAM goes to get some beers. ORDERS walks up.
                                                            
                       ORDERS
What's up?
                                                            
                       SAM
What do you mean?
                                                            
                       ORDERS
I mean, why are you still friends
with them?
                                                            
                       SAM
Because we're friends. I don't
know. We've been friends for a
long time. (To FOOD) Jim, I need
five beers, please!
                                                            
                       ORDERS
But, they're freeloaders.
                                                            
                       SAM
No they're not.
                                                            
                       ORDERS
Yes they are. They don't even talk
to you anymore.
                                                            
                       SAM
You don't know that.
                                                            
                       ORDERS
Okay, so tell me. Do they talk to
you?
                                                            

82.

                       SAM
Well, no.
                                                            
                       ORDERS
Do they come here often?
                                                            
                       SAM
Yeah.
                                                            
                       ORDERS
Do they ever pay?
                                                            
                       SAM
No, they're my friends. I told
them they didn't have to pay.
                                                            
                       ORDERS
So, they must say "Thank you"
often.
                                                            
                       SAM
Not, in so many words.
                                                            
                       ORDERS
Not in any words. That's exactly
my point.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Sam! Where's our drinks?
                                                            
                       ORDERS
See?
                                                            
                       SAM
Here are your drinks. On me as
always.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Finally.
                                                            
 
EXT. DOWTOWN - DAY
                                                            
A heavy set man walks down a downtown sidewalk with a cup of
coffee in hand. He munches on a pastry. He finishes off the
pastry and rounds a corner. The man bumps into somebody and
spills coffee on himself.
                                                            
                       LARGE MAN
Aaaaaah! Shoot! Dang it! Man!
                                                            

83.

He uses the napkin he was holding the pastry with to soak up
the coffee. He throws away the napkin and when he looks up
he has a horrified look. He approaches his Comic Book Store.
                                                            
The windows and door have been smashed, the stands are
knocked over, and graffiti covers the wall. The graffiti is
things like 'Heroes Go Home' and 'This Is Life Not A Comic
Book'. The man looks stunned and deeply sad. He enters the
mess and sifts through the rubble.
                                                            
                       TV (V.O.)
All seven Comic Book stores in the
area were attacked in the dead of
night. Shelves were knocked over
and anti-hero graffiti marked the
walls. This was the first act of
violence by the group calling
themselves 'Organization 7' but
more than likely not the last.
                                                            
 
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
                                                            
RYAN steps out of a store and walks down the sidewalk. Two
men with rubber gloves grab him. A third man gags him and a
fourth man tosses a black bag over his head. They push him
into a black van.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO
                                                            
DARK ROOM
                                                            
RYAN tied to a chair as a large goon pummels him bloody.

A man pushes RYAN's face under water. He pulls RYAN's head
up. RYAN gasps for air and just then the man pushes RYAN's
head down again. RYAN struggles to be free as he is nearly
drowned. He is pulled out again.
                                                            
                       RYAN
What do you want?! I'll tell you
whatever you want!
                                                            
RYAN gets dunked again.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Please stop!
                                                            
Dunk.
                                                            
 

84.

INT. ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
RYAN is thrown into a pitch black room. The only light comes
through the door. The room is flooded with water. A RADICAL
kicks RYAN on his back and pours water on his face. RYAN
chokes on the water. The RADICAL takes the bag off RYAN'S
head.
                                                            
                       RADICAL
Welcome to hell, fuck face!
                                                            
The RADICAL tosses more water on RYAN. RYAN tries to shock
him but electrocutes himself. RYAN screams.
                                                            
                       RADICAL
Hurts doesn't it?
                                                            
                       RYAN
What do you want with me? I'll
tell you anything?
                                                            
                       RADICAL
You really are a giant fucking
idiot, aren't you?
                                                            
The RADICAL leaves and slams the door shut. RYAN screams and
punches the door. He runs around the room, screams, and
pounds the walls. RYAN shoot electricity all over the room.
He shock himself but keeps on anyway. RYAN shoves his hand
on the wall and burns a hand print in the wall. He pants and
collapses to the floor.
                                                            
                                         LATER
                                                            
RYAN wakes up. SLATE is sitting in a chair in the corner,
                                                            
                       SLATE
We are about to embark on a
journey of self discovery between
you and myself. Before long I will
have this city eating itself. It's
easier than you might think. Have
you ever heard of mob mentality?
It's a temporary loss of sense
that comes from being part of a an
angry group. You see, this world
is full of animals. All you have
to do is work them into a blood
thirsty frenzy and then logic
simply won't matter. People will
think what I want them to think
and then your only saving grace
will be honesty. However, since
all of you are incapable of
            (MORE)

85.

                       SLATE (cont'd)
honesty you will be eaten and you
will only have yourselves to
blame.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Why are you telling me this?
                                                            
                       SLATE
Because, all you'll be able to do
is sit and watch it all happen.
Tell me Mr. Cross, having all that
power, it feels good doesn't it?
You have all that power and yet
there's no way to stop being
human. Tell me Mr. Cross, what
good is having all that power if
you can't stop pain. What good is
having all that power if you can't
stop death. What good is having
all that power if you can't stop
fate. That's it. You can't stop
your fate. It will invade your
every thought and it will destroy
you. Goodnight, Mr. Cross.
                                                            
 
INT. SAMMY'S - DAY
                                                            
The lunch rush is over. The TV is on in the corner. ELLIE
walks in, frightened.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Has anybody heard from Ryan?
                                                            
Everyone shakes their head. The TV goes black for a moment
then SLATE comes on.
                                                            
                       SLATE
Hello, I have something you might
want. He's waiting at 3rd and
Jefferson. Goodbye.
                                                            
Everyone scrambles out.
                                                            
 
EXT. 3RD AND JEFFERSON - DAY
                                                            
Everyone runs into the empty street. ERIC wields an aluminum
bat. RYAN lies on the ground while his ankles are tied to
the truck. The heroes are immediately surrounded by goons.
SLATE stands on the roof of a nearby building.
                                                            

86.

                       SLATE
Good evening Gentlemen. Lady.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Come down here Slate.
                                                            
                       SLATE
You should pay less attention to
me and more to your friend or the
cars I've rigged to explode on
Jefferson Bridge. I've marked the
car-bombs with big red "x"s.
Time's ticking.
                                                            
The car with RYAN tied to it squeals off.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
I'm gonna help Ryan.
                                                            
She flies off.
                                                            
                       JEFF
I'm the only other one who can
lift the cars.
                                                            
JEFF runs off. The goons start attacking CHRIS and ERIC.

JEFF takes huge leaps down the street while dodging traffic.

RYAN is dragged behind the truck. As the truck rounds sharp
corners RYAN smashes into things.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Help!
                                                            
JEFF looks out over the bridge. The bridge is littered with
cars. Some cars are marked with a big red "X". JEFF starts
with a small car. He digs his hands in, picks it up, walks
over to the edge of the bridge, and tosses it off.

CHRIS and ERIC continue to fight off waves of goons. ERIC
kicks a guy back and hits him in the head with his bat.

ELLIE tries to cut the rope but over shoots it and cuts a
gash into the truck. She tries again but slices RYANS chest.
She raises her hand again.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Stop!
                                                            
ELLIE lifts RYAN off the ground and sustains him from
dragging on the ground. She holds him like this while trying
to keep up with the car and dodge traffic. SHE struggles.
                                                            

87.

                       ELLIE
I can't hold you up!
                                                            
JEFF drops another car off the bridge. He walks over to a
bus, grabs the back bumper, and pulls hard. The bus brake is
engaged and wheels are locked. He pulls hard.

ERIC and CHRIS continue to smash and blast their way through
waves of enemies. ERIC smashes one guy in the face and
shatters another's knee. The last guy backs up slowly. ERIC
runs after him. The man turns around to run and ERIC hits
the guy in the back of the legs. The goon falls to the
ground. ERIC, puts the bat over his windpipe and begins
choking him.
                                                            
                       SLATE
Looks like some man is threatening
those people. That looks like the
First State Bank a few blocks
away.
                                                            
                       ERIC
I'll get that. Can you hold them
off on your own?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Yeah, you go!
                                                            
ERIC runs off.

ELLIE can't hold it anymore and lets RYAN drop to the
ground. ELLIE hits the ground and runs into an alley. She
wall jumps up the walls up to the roof. She jumps from roof
to roof to cut off the truck. She leaps off the roof and
onto the car.

JEFF hurls a motorcycle off the bridge. He turns around and
there is a bull dozer.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Damn it.
                                                            
JEFF smashes against the bull dozer. It budges little by
little. He continues smashing. Inching it closer and closer.

CHRIS blast enemies away all alone which is more than a hand
full.

In the bank a man has a bomb strapped to his chest which
counts down the seconds and holds an assault rifle. The
rifle is ripped from his hands and smacks him in the face.
ERIC appears holding it.
                                                            

88.

                       ERIC
RUN!
                                                            
Everyone runs. While ERIC is looking the other way the
terrorist grabs the rifle. They wrestle with the rifle. It
shoots ERIC in the leg. ERIC holds on, turns it back on the
man, and shoots him in the gut. The man lets go and ERIC
pulls so hard he throws it across the room.

ELLIE is on top of the truck. She inches back to the back of
the truck. She gets close to the rope and cuts it. She jumps
out the back and rolls on the ground. She stands up and
focuses on the car. The driver tries to turn but the
steering is locked up. He tries to brake but the truck
continues to accelerate. He smashes, high speed, into a
brick wall.

ERIC and the terrorist both look at the gun. The terrorist
runs for it. ERIC tackles him to the ground and holds on to
him.

JEFF smashes several times into the bulldozer until it
reaches the edge. He stops and takes a few breathes. He gets
a nice wide stance, plants his feet, slams his palms flat
against it, and starts to shove hard. It moves several feet
until tipping off the bridge.

ERIC holds on to the man as hard as he can.

JEFF, ELLIE, and CHRIS gather outside of the bank.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Eric!
                                                            
The man continues to struggle and still ERIC holds him down.
                                                            
                       ERIC
I lived the dream.
                                                            
The bank explodes.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
ERIC!
                                                            
The explosion knocks them off their feet. They stand up.
JEFF runs toward the fire. ELLIE and CHRIS hold him back.
Tears stream down his face. RYAN just walks over and slides
down the wall. He is unable to speak. JEFF falls over.
                                                            
                       TV (V.O.)
It is still unclear, but at this
time it is believed that a member
of the vigilante group was killed
when a bomb blew up the First
            (MORE)

89.

                       TV (cont'd)
State Bank. This was after an
attack by the "Organization 7"
extremist group which resulted in
massive damage at 3 O' Clock
today. Again, it is still
unconfirmed but we believe that
one of the Super Heroes was killed
in a terrorist bombing earlier
today. I'm being told it's been
confirmed. Ladies and Gentleman
watching at home, this day will
forever be remembered as the day
hope died. A true Hero has fallen.
I'm Richard White. Goodnight and
good luck to us all.
                                                            
 
INT. CORNER STORE - NIGHT
                                                            
Through the windows is the protest rally. The speaker can be
heard yelling very inspiring things and with each passing
second the protestors get more rowdy and more violent. The
rally goers yell and pound on the store windows. The MOM
walks in with her son, the little BOY. The little BOY still
has his toy gun.
                                                            
                       MOM
Man, this is pretty bad, isn't it?
                                                            
                       CASHIER
Don't get me started. These little
wieners won't leave my store
alone! What can I do for you today
ma'am?
                                                            
                       MOM
Um, one scratch off please.
                                                            
                       CASHIER
What'll you have? Cash Cow, Lucky
7, Gold digger?
                                                            
                       MOM
Um, Lucky O' the Irish please.
                                                            
                       CASHIER
Here you go. That'll be 20
dollars.
                                                            
The MOM pulls out the twenty dollars and hands it to him.
                                                            

90.

                       BOY
Can I see it?
                                                            
                       MOM
Sure.
                                                            
She hands it to the BOY and the man finishes up the
transaction.
                                                            
                       CASHIER
Do you want a reipt?
                                                            
                       MOM
No thank you.
                                                            
                       CASHIER
Alright, have a good night.
                                                            
                       MOM
Thank you. Come on honey lets go.
                                                            
The BOY takes off out the door with the scratch off and the
gun. The BOY disappears into the crowd but the MOM is unable
to penetrate the crowd of people. She looks through the
people like bars of a prison, unable to get her son.
                                                            
                       MOM
Wait!
                                                            
 
INT. SAMMY'S - NIGHT
                                                            
ELLIE, CHRIS, RYAN, and JEFF sit in chairs in a circle.
Everything goes dark until it's just them sitting alone. A
T.V. sits in the middle of the room and shows them clips of
themselves.
                                                            
Focus on CHRIS.
                                                            
                       TV (V.O.)
A downtown library was set on fire
earlier today. Firefighters are
working tirelessly to extinguish
the flames. The culprit? None
other than a member of the super
powered vigilante team...
                                                            
Focus on ELLIE.
                                                            
                       TV (V.O.)
We have footage of earlier today
when an upset female member of the
super powered vigilante team
unleashed what seems to be a
            (MORE)

91.

                       TV (cont'd)
devastating shock wave of psychic
energy...
                                                            
Focus on RYAN.
                                                            
                       TV (V.O.)
A member of the vigilante team
unleashed an EMP today which
knocked out power to a whole city
block. With all the power and as a
result the alarms down stealing
and chaos ensued. After about an
hour the police regained control
and power was returned to the
area. After all the this time it
is still true that the police are
the real heroes...
                                                            
Focus on JEFF.
                                                            
                       TV
Three year old Lindsey Cole was
killed today in a conflict between
the vigilante team and the
"Organization 7" group. Many
people are calling for the
vigilante groups immediate arrest,
pointing to this recent death as
one link in a long chain of
incidents that have made the so
called "heroes" into a dangerous
liability. In response to citizens
outcries the S.W.A.T. teams have
been called in to deal...
                                                            
 
EXT. PARK - DAY
                                                            
The sun is setting over the horizon painting the sky fiery
orange. CHRIS and RYAN are walking through the park. RYAN
notices a basket ball is laying in a court. He looks around
for an owner then picks it up and starts dribbling.
                                                            
                       RYAN
It's been a long time since we
last played hasn't it?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
No kidding.
                                                            
RYAN shoves it into CHRIS' stomach.
                                                            

92.

                       RYAN
Check it.
                                                            
CHRIS and RYAN line up and CHRIS bounces it back to RYAN.
RYAN runs to the left, jukes right, and does a lay up. It's
good. RYAN runs around, dribbles, fakes a shot, then shoots.
It's good. RYAN goes back. He fakes one way then the other.
RYAN runs, stops quick, and shoots. Rim. CHRIS grabs it and
takes it back. CHRIS runs around then gives a fade away
shot. Good. CHRIS runs it back then quickly goes for a lay
up but RYAN steals it and puts it in. RYAN takes it back,
runs around, then stops and dribbles. RYAN fakes a shot then
shoots. Miss. The two stop and take a break. They shake
hands and walk off.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Squirrel dick.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Cock knocker.
                                                            
 
INT. SAMMY'S - NIGHT
                                                            
Everyone is here standing or sitting. SAM closes and locks
the door behind her. Then goes behind the counter to count
receipts. Long silence.
                                                            
Suddenly there is the sound of breaking glass and a whiz.
ELLIE collapses at the table she was sitting and convulses.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
GET DOWN!!
                                                            
They all duck behind something. JEFF pushes a table over and
uses it as cover. The sniper fires off two rounds. RYAN
scampers across the floor. One shot misses and the other
hits RYAN in the leg. RYAN's leg begins to flail
involuntarily and he cringes in pain but continues to crawl.
RYAN makes it to a table and pulls the taser out of his leg.
He inspects it.
                                                            
CHRIS pushes the table on it's side for better cover. He
sits there for a moment. There is a long silence.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Ryan! Kill the lights!
                                                            
RYAN looks up. The lights flicker then blow out.
                                                            
                       JEFF
You got a plan Chris?
                                                            

93.

                       CHRIS
Yes, I have a plan. It's a good
plan. It's a good plan. A good
plan...
                                                            
                       RYAN
Good, can we hear it?
                                                            
Pause.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Chris?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Sam! You there?
                                                            
                       SAM
Yeah!
                                                            
                       CHRIS
You and Ryan start pushing over
tables!
                                                            
                       SAM
No!
                                                            
                       CHRIS
What?!
                                                            
                       SAM
I'm pretty nice and...not in
danger back here!
                                                            
                       RYAN
Sam please, god!
                                                            
                       SAM
Nah!
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Fuck! Alright. Think. Think...
                                                            
Ryan stands up.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Hey, I think he's gone.
                                                            
                       JEFF
He's just trying to draw you out!
                                                            
                       RYAN
No, really, I think he's gone.
                                                            

94.

They stand cautiously. RYAN walks to ELLIE and checks her
pulse.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
She's alive.
                                                            
JEFF picks up the bullet and inspects it.
                                                            
                       JEFF
It looks like a taser.
                                                            
Suddenly, the S.W.A.T. team bursts in through the door. One
SWAT guy shoots at RYAN but RYAN jumps behind a table. SAM
stands up from behind the counter.
                                                            
                       SAM
I SURRENDER!!
                                                            
No sooner does he say this than he takes off running.
                                                            
                       RYAN
That fucking bitch!
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Ryan! Pick up Ellie and run!
                                                            
Then CHRIS throws two fire balls one hits one guy in the
chest the other hits one in the face. The two guys catch on
fire and scream in pain. Other S.W.A.T.s run to put them
out.
                                                            
In the confusion RYAN picks up ELLIE and makes a break for
it. JEFF picks up a chair and cracks a few SWAT guys on the
head with it. JEFF tosses the chair at another guy. JEFF and
CHRIS run away.
                                                            
 
EXT. STREETS - NIGHT
                                                            
The streets are wet from rain. The streets are empty.
There's not a car in site. RYAN stumbles through the streets
with ELLIE in his arms. He stops and figures he's far enough
away from the resturaunt to shift positions. He picks up
ELLIE and throws her over his shoulder then keeps running.
ELLIE starts to wake.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
What's going on?
                                                            
                       RYAN
You're awake!
                                                            
He sets her down.
                                                            

95.

                       RYAN
Come on baby. We need to keep
going.
                                                            
He pulls her up to her feet and they keep running. Just
then, a squad of S.W.A.T.'s pop out from an alley and cut
them off. ELLIE jumps into action. She uses her mind to hurl
one away and shove one against the wall. She takes the
others guns and points their guns at them. All the guns fire
and put their owners on the ground.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Out of my way bitch!
                                                            
The two that she pushed away groan and moan. RYAN walks up
to them and gives each a dose of electricity to knock them
out for a while.
                                                            
On another street. JEFF and CHRIS are in a circle of
S.W.A.T.'s. JEFF is holding a car door. A few shots thump
off the door. CHRIS's hands are on fire. None of the
S.W.A.T.'s dare to make a move. CHRIS steps forward and they
step back.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
DON'T FUCK WITH ME!!! Back the
FUCK up! BACK THE FUCK UP!!
                                                            
They back up. CHRIS picks the scaredest one and approaches
him with his firey hands held where the guy can see them.
The guy backs away from him but CHRIS keeps coming. Behind
the S.W.A.T.'s mask the man is panting hard. Suddenly CHRIS
lunges and takes the guys taser gun. CHRIS shoots him then
turns and shoots the others.
                                                            
All of them turn and look at the shooter. JEFF siezes this
moment to strike the rest of the S.W.A.T.'s down.
                                                            
 
INT. SAMMY'S - NIGHT
                                                            
The time is right after the run in with the S.W.A.T. team.
Everyone is exhausted and there is shattered glass on the
floor. Once again the resturaunt is draped in silence.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Well, somebody say something.
                                                            
Nobody speaks.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Huh?! SAY SOMETHING!!! Well? No
one? Alright, I'll say something.
I'll say what everyone's thinking.
            (MORE)

96.

                       RYAN (cont'd)
What happened? What happened?
What?! Happened?! What happened to
us? To them? What happened to
everything? We're the GOOD guys.
They should be thanking us but
instead they call in the S.W.A.T.
teams? How do you like that shit?
The S.W.A.T. teams. This isn't
like the saturday morning cartoons
at all. Do you know why? Because
if they put this in the saturday
morning cartoons, it would scare
the piss out of the little kids.
But hey, God will save us right?
We shall overcome? Oh yeah, even
after all this I still believe in
God. Other people say, 'No supreme
being would do this to us', but I
think it's just the opposite. Only
a supreme, omnipotent being could
concoct this sort of torture and
agony. God is jealous and do you
know what I have to say? FUCK YOU
BITCH!!! And these people! These
people are ruled by their own
fears! Infact they crave fear.
They feed off it. And here we come
cleaning up the fear. Taking it
away and so the people blame us
for all their problems. We're why
the gas is so high. We're why
their commute is so long, and
before long all their hate festers
and turns to fear, and they lash
out at us? Well I say fuck 'em!
They attack us? When we're just
sitting around? Doing nothing? And
you! (points to SAM) You son of a
bitch!! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!!
                                                            
RYAN jumps over the table and everyone jumps up to restrain
him.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Stop! Have you completly lost it?!
You're insane!
                                                            
RYAN stops.
                                                            
                       RYAN
I'm getting tired of serving these
people.
                                                            

97.

                       CHRIS
You act like you're not one of
them.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Maybe I'm not. Maybe I don't want
to be.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
NEWS
                                                            
                       LOCAL
The radical group "Organization 7"
the group behind the Comic Book
store vandallisms all over town
are at it again. They are
orginizing what they are saying
will be the largest gathering they
have ever had, and they are
claiming that they alone know the
identity of the vigilantes. The
event will be at 10 p.m. this
Saturday.
                                                            
 
INT. CHRIS'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
The Dark Knight is on CHRIS's T.V. but CHRIS isn't really
watching it. His mind is somewhere else. He gets up and
walks to the door.
                                                            
MONTAGE
                                                            
1) CHRIS walks down the cold streets in just a T-shirt and
jeans again. He walks up to a store where in the window a
sign says, "Super Heroes not served here".

2) CHRIS sits at a bar drinking a beer as a couple of guys
yak behind him. One shouts over all the rest.
                                                            
                       DRUNK
I think they're all criminals! The
real criminal thing is that the
government hasn't been cracking
down on these bozo's! If I had my
shot I would kick their asses, all
of 'em!
                                                            
                       FRIEND
Come on, you're drunker than I
thought.
                                                            

98.

3) He walks up to the place where they are constucting the
stage for the rally. He walks up to a ladder.
                                                            
                       WORKER
Hey, you! Can you pass me that
hammer?
                                                            
CHRIS picks up the hammer and hands it to the guy on the
ladder. The guy begins to hammer up a banner. CHRIS backs up
and views the banner from a distance. The banner says, "This
is life, not a comic book."
                                                            
4) CHRIS sits on a park bench. Two women walk up and stop
right in front of him.
                                                            
                       WALKER 1
I'm surprised those people are
still doing it. It's aweful what
they're doing. Why won't they
stop? Do they like hurting people?
                                                            
                       WALKER 2
They don't think like you and I
do. You have to remember, they're
psychopaths.
                                                            
5) CHRIS passes by a resturaunt and 3 guys walk out.
                                                            
                       GUY 1
That place was so slow. I knew we
should have gone to Sammy's.
                                                            
                       GUY 2
I like Sammy's it's nice to know
there are decent supers.
                                                            
                       GUY 3
A trained freak is still a freak
in my opinion. They're all bad. As
soon as you trust one of them
you've become just as bad as them.
                                                            
CHRIS just keeps walking down the street until he turns the
corner and is out of sight.
                                                            
 
INT. MOVIE THEATRE - NIGHT
                                                            
The young couple is exiting the theater into the lobby. The
MAN holds the popcorn and pops kernels out of it.
                                                            

99.

                       MAN
Alright, so there's two mufins in
an oven. One muffin says to the
other muffin, 'Man it's hot in
here', and the other muffin say's
'Oh my god, a talking muffin!'
                                                            
The WOMAN laughs.
                                                            
                       MAN
You like that one? I got hundred
of 'em. Okay, a guy goes to a bar
and orders a grass hopper, right?
Then he leaves and he's walking
down the side walk when he see's a
grass hopper. So, he says to the
grass hopper, 'Hey, you know they
have a drink named after you?',
and the grass hopper says, 'They
got a drink named larry?'
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Huh.
                                                            
                       MAN
How about this one. A three legged
dog wlks into a bar and says, 'I'm
looking for the man who shot my
paw.'
                                                            
                       WOMAN
You probably should have stoped
after the first one.
                                                            
They walk through the doors and exit the lobby to see
several people walking one way with signs. The MAN picks out
one and flags him down.
                                                            
                       MAN
Hey! Hey! Where are you guys
going?
                                                            
                       RALLY GOER
The rally. It's tonight.
                                                            
                       MAN
      (To WOMAN)
Do you want to go?
                                                            
                       WOMAN
I don't think we should.
                                                            

100.

                       MAN
Come on.
                                                            
The WOMAN reluctantly goes and they walk in the direction of
the others, toward the rally.
                                                            
 
EXT. OUTSIDE SAMMY'S - NIGHT
                                                            
ELLIE stands out in the cold night air. Her breath is
visible. CHRIS steps out for some air and realizes ELLIE is
there.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
We gotta stop meeting like this.
                                                            
Long pause.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Do you like me?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Excuse me?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Be honest. Do you like me?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
You're going out with Ryan.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
That wasn't the question.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Is there something going on
between you and Ryan?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
He's just not the same person
anymore. He's more violent. He's
gotten angrier lately. Do you know
what I mean?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Look, I don't want to come between
you and Ryan.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Don't act like you haven't
already.
                                                            
ELLIE walks up to CHRIS and presses her body against his.
CHRIS cautiously wraps his arms around her.
                                                            

101.

                       ELLIE
You're warm.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I don't think we should do this.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
I just want to know. You love me
don't you?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I...don't...
                                                            
                       ELLIE
You don't or you don't know?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I don't.
                                                            
ELLIE reaches her head up and stares at CHRIS. She leans in,
their lips meet. It's surprising at first but then CHRIS
starts to kiss back.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
You kiss like you love me.
                                                            
This time it's CHRIS who leans in and kisses her. RYAN comes
out.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Ryan.
                                                            
Without saying a word RYAN charges at CHRIS and knocks him
down. RYAN delivers several blows to CHRIS's head before
CHRIS realizes what's happening. ELLIE yells at the two of
them to stop.
                                                            
CHRIS heats up his hands and RYAN jumps off. We can clearly
see two holes where CHRIS burned through RYAN's shirt and
gave him bad burns. CHRIS jumps up and RYAN rears back for a
punch but something seems to hold him back. Then RYAN is
thrown against the building. Without lifting a finger, ELLIE
pins RYAN against the wall.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
STOP!!!
                                                            
RYAN kicks and screams.
                                                            

102.

                       RYAN
Put me down! I'll fucking kill
you! I'll rip you're fucking heart
out Chris! I'll fucking...kill
you! I'll...I'll...
                                                            
RYAN stops fighting and lowers his head. He seems like he
might cry. ELLIE drops RYAN. He buries his head in his
hands.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Why? Just.. just tell me why.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Why do you want to know?
                                                            
                       RYAN
I want to know what the fuck I
did.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
You didn't do anything, Ryan.
                                                            
RYAN walks off down the street. He gets in his car and sits
there for a second. He yells and pounds his fist on the
steering wheel. He sits in his car for a long time.
                                                            
 
EXT. RALLY - NIGHT
                                                            
A massive crowd has gathered. Everyone is yelling. The
hastily built stage rocks and creaks under the pressure of
the crowd. The leader of the extremist group is on stage.
The more he yells the more the crowd yells back. People are
being squeezed together. A women is shoved and crushed
against the stage. An angry fanatic rushes the stage and
punches the leader in the face. Guards run up and grab him
before he can strike again. The leader points at the attack
that just took place and yells. The crowd yells even more.
The young couple is in the audience. The mom searches for
her little boy. The little boy wanders through the crowd.
The boy is pushed and shoved. He cries. The leader yells
more and louder then suddenly several cars explode. People
go running and screaming.
                                                            
NEWS
                                                            
A woman stands in front of the camera. She seems extremely
shaken.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
I don't know what happened. I was
in the crowd and people were
yelling then there was this huge
            (MORE)

103.

                       WOMAN (cont'd)
explosion and then people started
screaming and running in all
directions. Oh, God. I kept
thinking "Why didn't the heroes
save us"? Where were they?
                                                            
                       TV
This was the scene today when a
protest rally turned violent,
killing hundreds of people and
injuring dozens. This is the
greatest tragedy this city has
seen in decades. Many people are
wondering the exact same thing.
Where were the heroes when we
needed them?
                                                            
                       CNBC
The tragedy did bear some
interesting information. The
identities of the heroes have been
revealed. For the first time ever
we will announce the names. Chris
Parker, Ellie Barnes, Ryan Cross,
Jeff Richards, and the deceased
Eric Jackson.
                                                            
 
INT. SAMMY'S - DAY
                                                            
It's the lunch time but the restaurant is completely empty.
Everyone stands around. No one talks.
                                                            
                       SAM
Damn it! All i wanted was to be a
good cook and have a successful
restaurant and you guys had to
fuck that up for me! I was fine
with you guys wanting to be heroes
as long as it didn't affect me! I
even thought that getting zapped
was the best thing that happened
to me! Now, without customers all
I am is a freak with a spatula.
God damn it! Look, I've got a
restaurant and if having you guys
around is bad for business then
I'm gonna have to ask you to
leave.
                                                            
A man walks in the restaurant.
                                                            

104.

                       SAM
Welcome to Sammy's House of
Freaks.
                                                            
                       MAN 1
So this is the place?
                                                            
He looks around.
                                                            
                       MAN 1
Oh my god! It is you guys! Hey,
Stephen! They're in here!
                                                            
                       MAN 2
Oh my god. I'm tweeting this,
updating my Facebook status,
posting it on Myspace, and texting
everybody. The whole world must
know.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
SAMMY'S is full of people once again. People are gathered
around their booth getting autographs and pictures taken
with their favorite heroes. CHRIS gives ELLIE a little smile
but she doesn't return it and keeps going about her
business. CHRIS finishes a few autographs then tugs on ELLIE
and they leave together.
                                                            
 
EXT. BEHIND SAMMY'S - DAY
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Thank god we got away from the
fans right? This is totally nuts.
I never thought in a million years
that we had actual fans.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Yeah, it's pretty crazy. Look, can
we talk about something serious?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Yeah, sure. What is it?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Look, either way I completely
understand but I can't have these
games anymore. You kissed me on
two occasions then the rest of the
time you act as if nothing ever
happened. Now, Ryan's off God
knows where and I have to know if
there's still a chance for us or
            (MORE)

105.

                       CHRIS (cont'd)
if I should back off.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Look, kissing you was the
stupidest thing I ever did. I
don't know why I did it once much
less twice. I was confused about
myself and I fucked up. You're an
awesome guy and believe me I'm
really really sorry I put you
through that. The thing you have
to understand is that I chose Ryan
and because he's been gone for a
couple of days that doesn't mean
that I'm going to throw myself
after you. What kind of person
would that make me? I'm not the
kind of person who just jumps from
guy to guy.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I understand.
                                                            
Pause.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
You must think I'm a terrible
person and an even shittier
friend.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I think that society tells us that
we're adults but we're just scared
confused kids. We're both young
and we both do stupid shit
sometimes. People always say act
your age and get mad at us when we
do. I think we'll be alright. I
just had to know.
                                                            
 
EXT. CITY STREET - NIGHT
                                                            
Three guys drive down the street one of them notices JEFF
walking down the sidewalk.
                                                            
                       PUNK
Is that one of those guys? The
hero from the news. Hey, pull
over.
                                                            

106.

They pull over and get out of the car. The leader has his
wooden bat.
                                                            
                       PUNK
Hey! Can we talk?
                                                            
JEFF keeps walking.
                                                            
                       PUNK
Hey, pussy! I'm talking to you!
                                                            
JEFF just keeps walking and ignores them comepletely. The
Punks get angry and decide this is the time to attack. They
rush JEFF and the one with the bat gets the first shot.
                                                            
The PUNK slams the bat against JEFF's shoulder which throws
JEFF into the wall. The PUNK swings again but this time JEFF
catches it, rips it out of the PUNK's hands, and smacks the
PUNK with the handle. JEFF slides his hand down to the
handle then crushes the PUNK's head with the business end.
The bat shatters. JEFF drops the bat.
                                                            
JEFF turns his attention to another. JEFF grabs him and
slams him up against the wall. JEFF punches him several
times in the chest and breaks a few ribs.
                                                            
JEFF then turns toward the last man. The man is horrified.
He sees that JEFF is looking at him and takes off running.
JEFF runs after him. JEFF grabs him and throws him to the
ground. JEFF pounces on the man and starts punching him in
the face. The man screams but JEFF, locked in rage mode,
keeps throwing crushing blow after crushing blow. Soon the
man stops screaming and JEFF snaps back into reality.
                                                            
JEFF stands up. He's completely bewildered. He just stands
wide eyed. JEFF walks away. He pulls out his cell phone and
dials three numbers.
                                                            
                       JEFF
I need an ambulance.
                                                            
 
INT. ELLIE'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
ELLIE sits on her chair with her iPhone. She scrolls through
pictures of ERIC. She wipes the tears from her eyes and
keeps scrolling. There is a knock on the door. ELLIE wipes a
tear from her eye.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Hold on!
                                                            
She puts her phone on the end table. There is another knock.
                                                            

107.

                       ELLIE
Wait a minute!
                                                            
She pulls the cover off her. There is a third knock. This
time more violent.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Just give me a second.
                                                            
ELLIE begins walking to the door and there is another knock.
She opens the door and RYAN barges in. He's strugling to
stand.
                                                            
                       RYAN
You kissed him! You kissed HIM!
You kissed HIM!!
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Ryan, you're drunk.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Shut up you whore!
                                                            
RYAN slaps ELLIE and releases some energy with it. ELLIE
does nothing.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Was it good?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Ryan, you're drunk.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Answer me!
                                                            
RYAN smacks ELLIE again.
                                                            
                       RYAN
WAS IT GOOD!!
                                                            
                       ELLIE
I'm not going to answer you when
you're drunk.
                                                            
                       RYAN
ANSWER ME!!
                                                            
RYAN smacks her four times. Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Still ELLIE
is resolute. She does not waver.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
If you hit me one more time I'm
going to have to make you leave.
                                                            

108.

                       RYAN
Let's see you try!
                                                            
RYAN smacks her again and she raises up her arm. RYAN grabs
her by the throat and shocks her.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Put that down!
                                                            
She puts her arm down. RYAN shocks her again and she cringes
from the pain.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Just tell me you hate him!
                                                            
                       ELLIE
No!
                                                            
RYAN zaps her again and this time she screams from the
intense pain.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Tell me you fought it!
                                                            
                       ELLIE
No!
                                                            
ZAP! She screams again.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Stop!
                                                            
                       RYAN
I'll stop, just tell me he forced
it on you! Lie to me! Tell me you
were thinking of me when you were
kissing him! Tell me you didn't
want to do it! Say he forced you
to do it! Say it now!
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Fuck you.
                                                            
                       RYAN
SAY IT!!
                                                            
RYAN shocks ELLIE hard.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Oh god! Stop! STOP! Please god,
stop!
                                                            

109.

RYAN throws her onto a table. He approaches her. This is all
she needs and she tosses him against the wall and blasts him
with psychic energy. She lets him go. He dabs the blood
pouring out of his nose with his his finger and looks at it.
He sighs and walks out the door.
                                                            
 
EXT. PARK - DAY
                                                            
JEFF sits on an old bench in a park. He watches the birds
and the runners going by. He just enjoys the peace and quiet
after all that's been going on. JEFF just lays his head
back, closes his eyes, and lets his mind wander.
                                                            
                       FAN
Hello?
                                                            
JEFF doesn't do anything at first.
                                                            
                       FAN
Hello?
                                                            
JEFF opens his eyes and straightens up. JEFF stares at the
boy.
                                                            
                       FAN
You are, you're one of them.
                                                            
JEFF looks left then right.
                                                            
                       JEFF
One of who?
                                                            
                       FAN
One of the heroes.
                                                            
                       JEFF
What? No..I'm not....
                                                            
He looks at the little boy. The little boy stares at him
with adoration.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Why, yes I am.
                                                            
                       FAN
I knew it! I love you guys! I'm
your biggest fan!
                                                            
                       JEFF
You are?
                                                            

110.

                       FAN
Yeah!
                                                            
                       JEFF
I didn't think we had any fans
left.
                                                            
                       FAN
Can I get your autogragh?
                                                            
                       JEFF
Um...sure. Do you have a pen and
paper?
                                                            
The FAN hands him some paper.
                                                            
                       JEFF
How about...your's truly...
                                                            
JEFF thinks.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Captain Awesome.
                                                            
JEFF hands the boy the autogragh.
                                                            
                       FAN
Thanks.
                                                            
The boy runs off. JEFF gives a smile then lays his head
back, closes his eyes, and lets his mind wander.
                                                            
 
EXT. GRAVEYARD - DAY
                                                            
A funeral is being held. It's raining. The MOM stands by the
grave along with the DAD and some others we haven't seen
before. The priest says the prayers and reads from the
Bible. He does all the typical funeral stuff. The priest
finishes the readings and prayers and the casket with the
BOY in it, is lowered into the grave. Then two men come and
begin to throw dirt into the grave.
                                                            
 
INT. BAR - NIGHT
                                                            
The screen is black.
                                                            
                       ELLIE (V.O.)
ERIC!!!
                                                            
BAM! RYAN slams his beer glass on the bar. Beer spills over
the side. RYAN sways in his seat. RYAN turns to look at the

111.

mirror and to his surprise he sees ERIC in the mirror,
except ERIC's face is mutilated and scarred from the
explosion.
                                                            
                       ILLUSION
      (Angry)
RYAN! Help! Help Ryan! Help me!
                                                            
RYAN recoils from fright. He looks back but just sees his
own reflection. He droops his head and downs the rest of his
beer.
                                                            
                       RYAN
I need something hard.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
No way, you're blind stinking
drunk. You're done, man.
                                                            
                       RYAN
I've got money. Just one tequila.
                                                            
He holds up a five dollar bill.
                                                            
                       BARTENDER
One and it's your last one.
                                                            
RYAN looks back at the mirror.
                                                            
The BARTENDER pours a shot of Tequila and puts it on the
bar. RYAN doesn't drink it right away. The room starts to
spin.
                                                            
                       ERIC (V.O.)
Ryan! Ryan! Ryan! Ryan! Ryan!
RYAN!!
                                                            
Behind RYAN is ERIC standing in a spotlight, like on a
stage.
                                                            
                       ILLUSION
Ryan!
                                                            
RYAN doesn't turn. He holds his shot of Tequila.
                                                            
                       RYAN
No.
                                                            
                       ILLUSION
Ryan!
                                                            
                       RYAN
No, you're not real.
                                                            

112.

The spotlight goes away. The ERIC illusion walks up to the
bar and takes a seat right next to RYAN.
                                                            
                       ILLUSION
I am real.
                                                            
RYAN finally downs the Tequila then taps the bar to indicate
he wants another.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Barkeep! Pour me another!
                                                            
                       BARTENDER
You're drunk and worst of all your
broke. Go home.
                                                            
                       RYAN
You're fat and worst of all you
smell.
                                                            
The bartender shrugs it off and walks away.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Go away Eric, you're dead.
                                                            
                       ILLUSION
I'm dead?
                                                            
                       RYAN
Yes, I saw you die.
                                                            
                       ILLUSION
That's right you just sat there!
                                                            
                       RYAN
No!
                                                            
                       ILLUSION
Sat and watched as I died!
                                                            
                       RYAN
There was nothing I could do!
                                                            
The BARTENDER looks and RYAN is alone. The BARTENDER gives a
worried look and keeps bartending. RYAN looks at the
BARTENDER and lowers his voice.
                                                            
                       RYAN
There was nothing I could do.
                                                            
                       ILLUSION
It's okay Ryan. It's not your
fault. It's their fault.
                                                            

113.

                       RYAN
Who's?
                                                            
                       ILLUSION
Everyone's. Everyone in the city.
All the people who hated you!
                                                            
                       RYAN
No!
                                                            
                       ILLUSION
They despised us and they killed
me! They're winning.
                                                            
                       RYAN
They're not winning.
                                                            
                       ILLUSION
They've already won Ryan! They
killed me, your drunk in a bar,
and you just attacked Ellie in her
own home! I'm dead Ryan!
                                                            
                       RYAN
Why did they kill you?
                                                            
                       ILLUSION
Look around! People no longer
revere you, they're afraid of you,
they hate you. They treat you like
a monster. They act like there is
something wrong with you. Like
broken horses! Broken horses who
need to be put out to pasture!
                                                            
                       RYAN
What do you want me to do?
                                                            
                       ILLUSION
The only thing left to do. They've
struck first now you strike back!
Put them down before they can
strike again!
                                                            
Bam! JEFF throws open the door. RYAN is awoken from his
dillusion. He looks next to him and ERIC is gone.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Oh my god Ryan! We've been looking
everywhere for you!
                                                            
RYAN heads for the door.
                                                            

114.

                       RYAN
Out of my way.
                                                            
JEFF grabs RYAN.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Come on. We've got take you back
to Sammy's.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Get out of my way.
                                                            
                       JEFF
No.
                                                            
RYAN pushes past JEFF anyway and steps out into the rain.
JEFF follows.
                                                            
 
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
                                                            
                       JEFF
Where are you going?
                                                            
                       RYAN
To fight back.
                                                            
JEFF walks with RYAN.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Ryan, come back here and talk to
me.
                                                            
                       RYAN
No! I'm going to kill them!
                                                            
                       JEFF
I can't let you do that.
                                                            
RYAN stops.
                                                            
                       RYAN
In that case he told me to take
care of you.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Who?
                                                            
                       RYAN
Eric.
                                                            
JEFF looks scared.
                                                            

115.

                       JEFF
You need help!
                                                            
RYAN kicks JEFF hard in the chest. JEFF flies into the
street and tumbles on the pavement. RYAN runs up to JEFF,
picks him up, and tosses him into a stop sign. RYAN runs
toward JEFF again. This time JEFF picks up the stop sign and
smacks RYAN with it. RYAN goes flying into a car. RYAN
quickly gets to his feet and is just able to dodge JEFF as
JEFF swings the stop sign into the car.
                                                            
RYAN grabs the pole and electrifies it. JEFF lets go
immediately and stumbles back. RYAN runs across the street.
JEFF follows and as soon as he steps into the street a car
comes towards him. JEFF grabs the car and moves it to the
other side of him. The driver is terrified and peels out of
there as fast as he can.
                                                            
RYAN shoots a bolt of electricity at JEFF. JEFF screams as
he is shocked. RYAN stops and JEFF is still standing. RYAN
shocks him again and this time JEFF's leg buckles. Still
being electrified, JEFF wills himself to his feet and steps
backward. RYAN stops. JEFF reaches back and grabs another
sign. JEFF plants the sign in the ground.
                                                            
RYAN shoots another bolt at JEFF but the electricity is
attracted to the pole and is dissapated in the ground. JEFF
quickly rips up the sign and clobbers RYAN into a brick
wall. RYAN opens his eyes just in time to see a mailbox hit
him. JEFF runs behind a car. RYAN jumps to his feet and runs
behind the car. RYAN sees JEFF standing behind a fire
hydrant.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Oh shit!
                                                            
JEFF rips off the side cap and blasts RYAN with high
pressure water. He's is knocked back against a wall. RYAN
gets up looks around and JEFF is nowhere to be seen. RYAN
screams.
                                                            
 
INT. SAMMY'S - NIGHT
                                                            
The rain continues to come down outside. SAM stands behind
the counter. CHRIS sits at his favorite booth. Neither one
are talking or making eye contact. CHRIS looks at SAM, SAM
looks back at CHRIS and all either one of them can manage is
a little head nod, just to agknowlege each others existance.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
So what happened to the guys who
worked here?
                                                            

116.

                       SAM
I let them go.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Oh, I'm sorry.
                                                            
                       SAM
Yeah.
                                                            
ELLIE walks in. She is very quiet.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Ellie, are you alright?
                                                            
She doesn't say a word but shakes her head violently. CHRIS
leads her to the booth and they both sit down together.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
It's Ryan.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
What? What about Ryan?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
He attacked me in my house. He
barged in, grabed me by the
throat, and electricuted me. I
really think Ryan's lost it. I
feel bad for him.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
You feel bad for him after he
attacked you?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Well, we're all feeling it. We're
all stressed and at each others
throats and we weren't put through
what he was. Ryan was brutally
tortured and Eric dies in the same
week. That's enough to drive any
of us nuts.
                                                            
Pause.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
The other day you said you loved
me.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Yeah.
                                                            

117.

                       CHRIS
Do you love me?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Not this again.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I can't stop thinking about it.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Look, Chris, I just need some time
to work things out.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I've given you plenty of time.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Well, surprisingly, a week wasn't
enough time.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
It just seems like, at this point,
that Ryan isn't coming back. He's
gone.
                                                            
ELLIE gives an exasperated sigh.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
You're friend is losing it out
their and all you can think of is
banging me?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
That's not it at all!
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Just save it. I don't want to hear
it. You're such an asshole.
                                                            
Just then JEFF walks in breathing hard. SAM, ELLIE, and
CHRIS run up to help him.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Jesus! Are you okay?
                                                            
 
INT. STATION - DAY
                                                            
The S.W.A.T. LEADER stands up in front of a projector
screen. A picture of JEFF going to his car is diplayed on
the screen. Throughout his speach many pictures are shown.
The room is dark. A group of S.W.A.T.'s watch.
                                                            

118.

                       S.W.A.T. LEADER
The target is Jeff Richards. He's
a student pursuing a major in
Nuclear Physics so this is a smart
guy. Age 20. His ability is
increased strength and speed. He
is able to lift many time more
than his body weight. Much more
than any other human being so use
extreme caution when pursuing.
This is his residence. We will
wait outside and enter through the
windows and door. He won't go down
so easily this time.
                                                            
A man walks in and interupts the meeting.
                                                            
                       S.W.A.T.
Sir, we have reports of a fight
breaking out on the street. Col.
Richard gave the order to
interfere.
                                                            
                       S.W.A.T.
Thank you sargeant! You heard him!
Why aren't you bringing him to me
RIGHT FUCKING NOW?!
                                                            
 
INT. SAMMY'S - NIGHT
                                                            
                       JEFF
Ryan's gone nuts! He thinks
someone is telling him to kill
people.
                                                            
                       SAM
Oh my god!
                                                            
                       JEFF
That's not even the worst part. He
thinks it's Eric.
                                                            
SAM, ELLIE, and CHRIS's faces go cold.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Jesus Christ!
                                                            
                       JEFF
He attacked me all because he
thought Eric told him to.
                                                            

119.

                       RYAN
Knock, knock.
                                                            
RYAN walks in the door.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Join me! Join me and we can get
revenge for Eric!
                                                            
                       JEFF
You're insane.
                                                            
                       RYAN
You have no fucking idea what I
am!! It's their fault! Everything
is their fault! We're better than
them!
                                                            
                       ELLIE
We are better than them! So show
them you're better than them.
                                                            
                       RYAN
You're wrong! They're animals!
They only know violence! Don't you
understand!!
                                                            
                       JEFF
You'd better leave. Now.
                                                            
                       RYAN
If your not with me, you're
against me.
                                                            
RYAN lunges for ELLIE and pins her up against the back wall.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Hello again.
                                                            
WIDE SHOT: SAMMY'S
                                                            
Suddenly RYAN comes exploding through the window and the
whole window shatters as he is thrown into the the street.
He looks up and a car is driving toward him. He holds his
hands up in front of him and the car flips over him. The car
tumbles, lands upside down, and slides away. Everyone looks
stuned. Even RYAN doesn't know what he did. He looks at a
car, holds up his hand, and the car door breaks off and
floats to him. He understands now.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Like a magnet.
                                                            

120.

RYAN tosses the door at the others. JEFF catches it and
throws it to the ground.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Stay here.
                                                            
ELLIE steps through the frame where the window was. CHRIS
starts to move but JEFF grabs him and holds him back. ELLIE
steps into the street. RYAN and ELLIE stare each other down
for a second.
                                                            
ELLIE moves first. She pounds him with blasts of energy,
like him getting punched several times. The last one sends
him into a car. RYAN magnetically lifts the car and hurls it
at ELLIE. ELLIE stops the car and tears it in half. She
pounds the halves into the ground like hammers. RYAN dodges
them and pulls out a parking meter. The meter flies over to
RYAN and he grips it like a bat.
                                                            
RYAN runs toward ELLIE. ELLIE throws a mailbox at him but he
crushes it with the parking meter and he keeps running.
ELLIE stands where she is and doesn't budge from her spot.
RYAN swings at her but the meter rebounds off an invisible
shield. ELLIE doesn't so much as bat an eyelash as RYAN
delivers crushing blows into the shield. The shield stands
firm. RYAN rears back and prepares to give his most
punishing blast. ELLIE lifts her hand and the parking meter
stops dead in it's tracks. The meter is ripped from RYAN's
hands and is thrown away. With a motion of her wrist RYAN
falls to his knees.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Watch this.
                                                            
RYAN, still on his knees, unwillingly reaches for his side
arm. RYAN doesn't want to but he can't stop it. It's like
ELLIE is driving his body. RYAN uncases his pistol and pulls
it up to his head. RYAN fights it but it's no use. The
pistol's muzzle is pressed against the side of his head.
RYAN doesn't say a word.
                                                            
RYAN's face is red from struggling. He doesn't make a
motion. RYAN simply stares. Stares at ELLIE. Through ELLIE.
Into her eyes. He peers into her soul. ELLIE can't go
through with it. RYAN involuntarily throws his arm into the
air and empties his clip into the clouds. ELLIE releases
control and RYAN drops his arm to the ground. RYAN slumps
over. ELLIE lifts RYAN into the air and shoots him into the
street.
                                                            
RYAN gets up on his knees. A car speeds toward RYAN and,
without touching the car, he shoves it into a builing. There
is a quiet moment. Then he stands up and runs at her. She

121.

tries to push him away with her powers. RYAN only slows but
keeps moving like he's fighting a strong wind. Lighting
starts to shoot off him. The more RYAN exerts himself the
more lightning he shoots off. RYAN steps closer and closer
to ELLIE. They both fight it with all they have until RYAN
makes it to her.
                                                            
RYAN grabs onto her and she is electricuted. She screams and
falls to the ground. RYAN turns to the group in the
restaurant. Then RYAN hears a cough come from behind him.
RYAN turns around. ELLIE rolls over on her stomach. She
doesn't look at RYAN.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
      (Laughing)
Looks like you're losing it.
                                                            
RYAN gets ready to kick her when suddenly two S.W.A.T.
helicopters fly over and idle over them. In each one is a
guy carying an M16. Each one loads a canister into the
gernade launcher. They launch the tear gas. Two canisters of
tear gas hit the ground and immediatly start pouring out
gas.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Meet back here later!
                                                            
                       JEFF
No! They'll be waiting for us!
Meet at the lab!
                                                            
Everyone disperses. CHRIS runs up to ELLIE and drags her
along with him.
                                                            
 
INT. PHYSICS LAB BREAKROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
SAM and JEFF sit in a long uncomfortable silence. There is a
bang on the door. JEFF stands up.
                                                            
                       SAM
Wait! Maybe it's the S.W.A.T.!
                                                            
                       JEFF
Why would the S.W.A.T. knock on
the front door?
                                                            
JEFF walks out into the hall and outside the door at the end
of the hall is ELLIE leaning on CHRIS. JEFF opens the door
and CHRIS and ELLIE come hobbling in. They are both tired
and out of breath. They slunk into the breakroom and CHRIS
helps ELLIE into a chair. CHRIS looks at SAM.
                                                            

122.

                       CHRIS
You son of a bitch.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
You don't mean that. You're just
angry.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
YOU SON OF A BITCH!
                                                            
CHRIS pins SAM up against the wall. SAM could have easily
dodged it but instead just took it.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I'LL KILL YOU!
                                                            
                       ELLIE
CHRIS!
                                                            
ELLIE tears them apart.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
We've been getting our asses
kicked again and again and you
won't even so much as lift a
finger to help anyone!
                                                            
                       SAM
Don't you do that to me, Chris! I
didn't ask for this! Do you think
I wanted to be like this?! I'm
just a cook! You're the one who
want's to be a hero! So fuck you!
                                                            
                       CHRIS
No, fuck you! That's no excuse!
You're not a cook! You're a god
damn coward!
                                                            
                       SAM
I didn't want this! All this has
brought is pain!
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Don't you think I know that? Don't
you think I regret that all the
time? But despite all the pain
it's brought ME it's also done a
lot of good. Eric knew that!
That's why you'll never be half as
great as he was!
                                                            

123.

                       ELLIE
Chris! Stop it! You're so fucking
stupid! Sam's still our friend.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Not mine. He didn't have to stand
there. He didn't have to see Eric
die. No, Sam's not my friend.
                                                            
There is a moment of silence as CHRIS and SAM stare each
other down. CHRIS storms off out the door.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Wait!
                                                            
And with that, ELLIE chases after CHRIS.
                                                            
                       SAM
You're with me, right Jeff?
                                                            
                       JEFF
Actually, growing up, I wasn't the
toughest guy! I used to jump into
bathrooms or duck into classrooms
just to avoid talking to people
but even I did it! I was scared
shitless the whole time but I was
fucking man enough to do it! So no
Sam. I guess you could say I'm not
with you.
                                                            
Then JEFF walks out and SAM is left alone.
                                                            
 
EXT. COLLEGE PARKING LOT - NIGHT
                                                            
Rain comes down hard.
                                                            
CHRIS storms down the sidewalk and ELLIE tries to catch up
to him.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
What the fuck is your problem?!
                                                            
CHRIS stops walking and turns around.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Sam has no right...
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Now where the hell do you get
off?! He has no right? No right to
what? Choose his own life?
                                                            

124.

                       CHRIS
What happened in there...Sam had
it coming!
                                                            
                       ELLIE
That's bullshit and you know it!
You think you're so perfect! You
think you're always right! You
think you're invincible but you're
not! You need to understand you're
limits!
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Why is it so important I have
limits!
                                                            
                       ELLIE
God! You're worse than Ryan!
                                                            
CHRIS can't hold back any longer and he slaps ELLIE.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Now, you listen to me!
                                                            
                       ELLIE
No.
                                                            
CHRIS is yanked into the air and is swung into the wall.
ELLIE keeps him up on the wall. CHRIS starts to turn red. He
chokes and gasps for air.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Now you listen to me! Ryan can't
hit me so you sure as hell can't
touch me! Now, I could snap your
neck with just a thought so I
suggest you leave me the hell
alone! Do you understand me?!
                                                            
CHRIS can't say anything. He continues to gasp for air.
ELLIE turns. JEFF is now standing, gawking at her. When she
looks at him JEFF steps back from fear of his life. ELLIE
lets CHRIS down. With a thud CHRIS hits the floor. CHRIS
gasps and tries to catch his breath. There is a moment where
no one talks. The only noise is CHRIS breathing heavily.
CHRIS slowly gets to his feet.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I think it's time we take a break
from each other. All of us.
                                                            
                       JEFF
What about...
                                                            

125.

                       CHRIS
It's over.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
What now?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
We say good bye.
                                                            
CHRIS walks away. ELLIE walks up to JEFF and gives him a
hug.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
See 'ya.
                                                            
ELLIE walks the opposite direction that CHRIS went. JEFF is
all by himself. He stands there in solidarity for a moment.
Then heads for his car. A moment later SAM exits the
building. SAM walks down the sidewalk. He turns a corner and
he's gone.
                                                            
 
INT. SAMMY'S - NIGHT
                                                            
SAM comes in like a rocket. He slows to a stop in front of
the restaurant. SAM walks in. He takes a look at the trashed
restaurant. The tables are knocked over, the windows are
blown out, and there is a bottle of vodka on the counter.
Skip forward and SAM is boarding up the windows. He puts the
last nail in the final board when two S.W.A.T.s walking in.
One shines a light in SAM's face.
                                                            
                       S.W.A.T.
What are you doing here?
                                                            
                       SAM
I'm the owner.
                                                            
                       S.W.A.T.
Stand down. It's just the cook.
                                                            
                       S.W.A.T. 2
Sir, should we get him for aiding
the vigilantes?
                                                            
                       S.W.A.T.
No, that's not our problem. Our
job is to capture the targets.
He's not one of them.
                                                            
They leave. SAM breathes a sigh of relief and sits in the
nearest chair. He pulls out his phone and pulls up a video
of him. The video starts off with everyone outside of a

126.

brand new Sammy's. In the video, SAM cuts the ribbon outside
the front door then breaks a bottle of champagne and there
is applause. SAM grins then puts down his phone. SAM gets up
and pours himself a glass of Vodka. He picks up the glass
and looks at it. Then he puts down the glass and drinks
straight from the bottle. He sets the bottle down and looks
at the glass then drinks what's in the glass.
                                                            
                                         FADE TO BLACK
                                                            
 
INT. SAMMY'S - DAY
                                                            
SAM is slumped on one of the tables with a bottle of vodka
and an empty glass next to him. SAM is surrounded by two
guys. They both wear a confused look.
                                                            
                       MAN 1
What's he doing?
                                                            
                       MAN 2
Sleeping.
                                                            
                       MAN 1
I see that smart ass. I mean why
is he sleeping? I have to be at
work in fifteen minutes.
                                                            
                       MAN 2
Hold on, watch this.
                                                            
                       MAN 1
Alright, I'm watching.
                                                            
                       MAN 2
Hey! Wake up!
                                                            
                       MAN 1
Wow, I'm impressed. Really.
                                                            
                       MAN 2
Shut up.
                                                            
SAM looks up sleepily to see the men around him. He squints
at the light. His head is killing him.
                                                            
                       SAM
What's going on?
                                                            
                       MAN 1
It's breakfast time and we're
hungry.
                                                            

127.

SAM looks around at the restaurant. The boarded up windows
and the over turned tables.
                                                            
                       SAM
I'm closed.
                                                            
                       MAN 2
      (To MAN 1)
I told you.
                                                            
                       MAN 1
      (To SAM)
Come on. Just something quick.
                                                            
SAM pauses for a moment and thinks about it.
                                                            
                       SAM
Wait, why are you guys here?
                                                            
MAN 1 looks around like he doesn't understand the question.
                                                            
                       MAN 1
Um, were hungry.
                                                            
                       SAM
No, I mean, my place looks like a
mess and besides aren't I a freak
too? Why don't you hate me?
                                                            
                       MAN 2
Well, you didn't really do
anything. Infact, you didn't even
make breakfast yesterday.
                                                            
                       SAM
I din't did I? I don't know, I
guess I was too afraid.
                                                            
                       MAN 1
To make breakfast?
                                                            
                       SAM
What? No. Are you an idiot?
                                                            
                       MAN 1
If I said yes would you make me a
bacon and egg burrito?
                                                            
                       SAM
Alright, you guys need to go.
                                                            
SAM pushes them out the door with them yelling at him. He
locks the door and walks away.
                                                            

128.

                       MAN 2
Wait no! Your name sucks!
                                                            
                       MAN 1
You told him.
                                                            
                       MAN 2
Shut up!
                                                            
                                         CUT TO
                                                            
MONTAGE
                                                            
Music plays.

1) JEFF punches the keys on the lab computer in a dark
computer room.

2) CHRIS sits on his couch. His apartment is messy again. He
watches Spider-Man. At one point he turns off the movie,
grabs his coat, and walks out the front door.

3) We see a sign that says, 'Choral Concert Tonight'.
Inside, ELLIE puts on her make-up in the dressing room
mirror. Suddenly, in the mirror, she sees RYAN sitting in a
chair in the corner. ELLIE turns around but RYAN isn't
there.

4) RYAN walks through the street.
                                                            
                       RYAN
What is it Sam?
                                                            
SAM sprints and tackles RYAN.

5) JEFF still sits at the computer. He looks and next to the
computer is a picture of everyone before the trajedy.

6) CHRIS pulls his car up to a tall building, parks, then
gets out and stares up at the building.

7) ELLIE walks through the hall, backstage at the theater.
She sees CHRIS pushing a cart past her. She looks back but
CHRIS isn't pushing the cart.

8) SAM and RYAN get up in the street and dodge a car driving
by. RYAN shoots a couple of lightning bolts but SAM dodges
them.

9) JEFF enters his apartment. He sets his stuff down on the
coffee table when S.W.A.T.s burst in through the windows and
the door.


129.

10) CHRIS stands on a windy roof. He stands and admires the
view for a second. He takes out a picture of Ellie.
                                                            
CHRIS steps up to the edge of the roof, closes his eyes,
takes a deep breath, and jumps.

11) SARA watches ELLIE rush out of the theater. SARA follows
ELLIE. Later, SARA watches ELLIE break into the college
choir room. We shift focus back to ELLIE. She stands in the
room.
                                                            
12) With a grunt RYAN swings a metal bar but only hits air.
RYAN swings at SAM again but misses again. SAM sees a hole
and jabs RYAN. SAM's hand makes contact with RYAN's chest
and SAM is zapped. SAM stumbles to the ground.

13) JEFF fights off the S.W.A.T.s. They shoot him with
tazers but he just rips them off. JEFF clobbers all the
S.W.A.T.s.

14) CHRIS falls through the air.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Come on. Come on! Come on!
                                                            
15) ELLIE is curled up in a ball in the center of the room.
She screams and cries. The air seems thick and it swirls
around her. The psycic energy builds. Tears run up her face
and evaporate.

16)SAM gets up and pants hard.
                                                            
                       SAM
I'm too tired. I need to finish
this now.
                                                            
SAM looks at RYAN.
                                                            
                       SAM
I need speed.
                                                            
He stands in a runners stance and zooms past RYAN. He gets
aways past RYAN then stops and turns around and goes the
other way. He stops, turs around, and goes the other way
again. He does this over and over. Back and forth.

Music builds in intensity.

17) JEFF breaks the last S.W.A.T.'s arm and tosses him to
the floor. Then the LEADER charges in through the window
with a combat shotgun. The LEADER fires off a shot that just
glances JEFF's leg. Some buck shot misses and some gets
lodged in his leg. JEFF doesn't even notice the pain. JEFF

130.

grabs the gun and smashes the LEADER over the face with it.
He picks up the leader and throws him into a wall. JEFF
turns to leave. The LEADER finds a wooden table leg on the
ground and picks it up. The LEADER smacks JEFF with it. JEFF
stumbles then turns, grabs the leg, and hits the LEADER in
the arm with it. The LEADERS arm comes out of it's socket
and the LEADER screams with pain.

18) CHRIS still falls through the air.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Come on! Come on! Flame on! FLAME
ON!!
                                                            
Parts of CHRIS catch fire. Then BOOM! CHRIS erupts into a
falling ball of fire.

19) ELLIE screams and cries. The room bends and swirls
around her. Just then SARA walks in with a concerned look.
ELLIE looks at SARA with white eyes.

20) SAM runs back and forth. Back and forth. RYAN looks
confused and scared. RYAN looks at a metal bar on the
ground. He watches SAM speed by. SAM to bar. Bar to sam.
RYAN lifts his hand.

The sound goes away. Silence.

21) JEFF grunts and pounds the LEADER heavily against the
wall.

22) CHRIS crashes into his car.

23) ELLIE explodes with energy. Crushing SARA against the
wall.

24) In slow motion RYAN lifts the metal bar up to head
height. SAM runs in slow motion. SAM's head meets with the
bar with skull crushing force. SAM's head hits the bar,
SAM's body goes limp, and his body skids and rolls on the
ground. SAM slides to a stop but doesn't get up.

25) The LEADER rolls on his back and lays against the wall.
The LEADER laughs through bloody teeth.
                                                            
                       S.W.A.T. LEADER
      (Laughing)
You won this fight but I just won
the war. You've just dug your own
grave. Once people find out about
this, how you attacked and killed
police officers, you and all your
freak buddies are going straight
            (MORE)

131.

                       S.W.A.T. LEADER (cont'd)
to hell.
                                                            
He then bursts into hysterical laughter.
                                                            
26) CHRIS is carried through a hospital on a stretcher.

27) ELLIE stands outside the college as SARA is being loaded
into an ambulance.

28) RYAN looks over SAM's dead body. His expression is
absolute fear and sadness. He didn't want this to happen.
                                                            
FLASHBACK
                                                            
1) The first day of 1st grade. A shy little boy with big
glasses, combed hair, and a Spider-Man back pack stands
alone by the wall. Another boy comes up to him.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Hey! Cool backpack.
                                                            
The shy boy says nothing.
                                                            
                       ERIC
I'm Eric.
                                                            
Nothing.
                                                            
                       ERIC
One second!
                                                            
ERIC runs away and comes back with another boy.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Here!
                                                            
                       RYAN
Cool back pack. I'm Ryan. What's
you're name?
                                                            
                       JEFF
Jeffery.
                                                            
                       ERIC
Can I call you Jeff?
                                                            
                       JEFF
Okay.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Let's go.
                                                            

132.

2) 2nd Grade. RYAN, ERIC, and JEFF are playing with legos
before school starts. ERIC and RYAN have built some kind of
space ship and are play flying it around. A boy comes up.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I like your space ship.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Thanks.
                                                            
                       ERIC
I like your race car.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Thanks. I'm Chris.
                                                            
3) 5th Grade. Lunch. A heavy set boy sits alone at the end
of the lunch table. CHRIS walks over to him.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Hey, you're new, right?
                                                            
                       SAM
Yeah.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
What's your name?
                                                            
                       SAM
Sam.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Where are you from?
                                                            
                       SAM
Arizona.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Why don't you come eat with us?
                                                            
                       SAM
I like eating.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Me too. Come on.
                                                            
4) 6th Grade. Dance. A beautiful young girl stands alone.
RYAN approaches her.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Do you want to dance?
                                                            

133.

                       ELLIE
Sure.
                                                            
They begin to slow dance.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
What's your name?
                                                            
                       RYAN
Ryan. And yours?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Ellie.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Nice to meet you, Ellie.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Nice to meet you, Ryan.
                                                            
5) RYAN is at 7th grade football tryouts.

6) ELLIE writes a note in RYAN's locker.
                                                            
7) Highs chool. ELLIE sings at a recital.
                                                            
8) A couple of guys slam JEFF against a locker. RYAN comes
out and chases them away.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Hey! Leave him alone! Get out of
here!
                                                            
JEFF's backpack is on the floor and papers are strewn
everywhere. RYAN bends down and begins picking them up.
                                                            
                       RYAN
Here you go Jeff.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Thanks.
                                                            
9) Graduation. JEFF is validvictorian. A teacher talks then
they all throw their caps into the air. RYAN looks at ELLIE.
ELLIE looks at RYAN. They kiss.
                                                            
PRESENT DAY
                                                            
RYAN sees ERIC standing on the other side of SAM.
                                                            
                       RYAN
No, I'm done listening to you.
                                                            

134.

And with that he walks away into the fog and fades into a
memory.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL - DAY
                                                            
CHRIS awakes in a hospital bed. It's a typical hospital
room. CHRIS stirs in bed and ELLIE notices. ELLIE is sitting
next to him. Her eyes are red from crying. She sees CHRIS
stir in his bed and her heart skips a beat. She leans toward
him in her seat. CHRIS groans and sits up in bed. He looks
at ELLIE.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Hi.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Hi.
                                                            
Tears of joy stream down her face.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Ellie, I'm really sorry about...
                                                            
Before he can say another word ELLIE kisses him. They hold
for a long time.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I told you before that I thought I
loved you. Now, there's no
question. I love you. So much. It
took me jumping off a building to
realize that. All I could think as
I was falling was that, if I died,
my biggest regret would be that I
wouldn't get to be with you.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
That's the sweetest thing I've
ever heard.
                                                            
They kiss again.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
By the way, why did you jump off
the building?
                                                            
CHRIS gives a sort of pathetic smile.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I flew.
                                                            

135.

                       ELLIE
You flew?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Yeah, for about six seconds. Then
I landed on a car. Gravity's a
bitch.
                                                            
JEFF hobbles in with the use of crutches.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Hey, I thought you might be awake.
I heard you guys talking. How are
you doing?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I'm good man. I'm doin' real good.
How about you.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Ah, I'm pretty good. I heard you
took a dive into your car.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Yeah.
                                                            
                       JEFF
How's you car?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I'm fine, thank you.
                                                            
All laugh.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
So where's Sam. I want to
apolagize to him.
                                                            
Suddenly ELLIE and JEFF get real serious and lower their
heads. CHRIS's smile fades.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
What? What happened?
                                                            
                       JEFF
Sam faced Ryan alone.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
He didn't win?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
They found his body in the street.
                                                            

136.

CHRIS lowers his head too. They take a moment.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Why did we do it again? Why did we
do all this?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
'Cause we were the only ones who
could. Plus we thought we could
make a difference.
                                                            
                       JEFF
We did. As far as I'm concerned we
made a huge difference. Some
negative but mostly positive.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Hey Jeff, do you think if you had
to you could recreate the
explosion? Give other people
powers?
                                                            
                       JEFF
Yeah maybe, why?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Destroy anything you might have
written down or typed. Nobody
should ever do what we did again.
It's too horrible. Scrap it all.
                                                            
No one says a word.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
I think I'm going to write a book.
About us.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
I think you should. People need to
know our side of things.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Can you guys go. I need to sleep.
                                                            
They exit. ELLIE and JEFF stand in the hall.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
I have to see someone important.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Me too.
                                                            
 

137.

INT. INTENSIVE CARE WING - DAY
                                                            
JEFF stands outside of a patients room. We look at him
through the glass from inside the room. A nurse passes by
and JEFF flags her down.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Excuse me!
                                                            
                       NURSE
Yes.
                                                            
                       JEFF
How is he?
                                                            
                       NURSE
Not to good. His injuries are bad.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Will he make it?
                                                            
                       NURSE
Oh yes. He's going to be just
fine.
                                                            
                       JEFF
Good.
                                                            
                       NURSE
I'm glad you brought him when you
did. When he came in he had lost a
lot of blood. Any longer and he
might not have made it. What
happened?
                                                            
                       JEFF
Uh, he got mugged. Well, thank
you. That's all I wanted to know.
                                                            
He starts to leave.
                                                            
                       NURSE
Wait, what's your name?
                                                            
                       JEFF
Excuse me?
                                                            
                       NURSE
You're name. So I can tell him who
brought him in.
                                                            
 

138.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
                                                            
The nurse walks in. In the bed is the S.W.A.T. LEADER.
                                                            
                       NURSE
Good morning sir. You're lucky to
be alive. Good thing that helpful
nice man brought you in.
                                                            
                       S.W.A.T. LEADER
Who?
                                                            
                       NURSE
He didn't give a name but he
wanted me to tell you he was the
strong one. He said you would know
what that meant.
                                                            
The LEADER's eyes go wide.
                                                            
 
INT. SARA'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
ELLIE stands at the door.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Hi.
                                                            
SARA looks shocked.
                                                            
                       SARA
I'm sorry I followed you. Please
don't hurt me.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
What? No, I'm not here to hurt
you. I'm here to apolagize.
                                                            
                       SARA
Why? I was a complete bitch to
you.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Yeah, but I broke your nose then
unleash my psychic fury upon you
so that's slightly worse.
                                                            
Pause
                                                            
                       SARA
      (Beat)
You know I'm NOT a bitch. I'm
actualy a pretty nice person.
                                                            

139.

                       ELLIE
Then why...
                                                            
                       SARA
I was intimidated...you know...by
you.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
By me?
                                                            
                       SARA
Wow, is there in echoe in here?
                                                            
ELLIE looks at her.
                                                            
                       SARA
Sorry, old habits.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Why were you intimidated by me?
                                                            
                       SARA
Because you're so much better than
me...and then when I found out you
had super powers I was so like 'no
way'!
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Wait. So, you don't hate me?
                                                            
SARA shakes her head.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
You're not afraid of me?
                                                            
SARA shakes her head.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
And you think I'm cool?
                                                            
SARA nods.
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Huh. Cool.
                                                            
                       SARA
In fact, I followed you last night
because I wanted to talk to you
about you being a super hero. I
mean that's like the coolest thing
in the whole wold.
                                                            
Long awkward silence.
                                                            

140.

                       SARA
Can you show me something?
                                                            
                       ELLIE
Yeah, absolutely.
                                                            
 
INT. CHRIS'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
CHRIS's laptop sits on his lap. He types.
                                                            
                       CHRIS (V.O.)
This is the story you'll never see
on T.V.; never read about in the
paper. The real story, about
ordinary people who could do
amazing things. Life is funny and
as it turned out the best of us
became the worst of us. The
weakest of us became the strongest
of us. There is no certainty to
life. You can only pray that when
the time comes to act that you
will know what to do. To do what's
right because it's right. To rise
up against insurmountable odds. To
be a friend to someone you hate or
to save the life of a man who
wants nothing more than to kill
you. It's only when you're
standing over your best friends
dead body that you realize how
very wrong you were. And it's only
once it's too late that you
attempt to return to normal, by
blending in or dissapearing
completely. We, however, will
never be normal. We carry with us
tremendous power. Our's is not a
happy story but it's one that
needs to be told. People need to
know about the heroes who gave
their lives for people who hated
and feared them. We were powerful
and we were powerless. We were
seen and we were invisible. We
were loved and we were hated. We
were heroes and we were villains.
We were the many and we were the
few.
                                                            


THE END


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From Rick McCormick Date 12/5/2009 ****
You've got tons of potential! You've got a sensational imagination and interest descriptions (you paint a picture that's easy to see). Most of the time the dialogue and description ripples and rolls, but at times it can be "blocky" (overdone). Try to pare these parts back some. Also, I'd get rid of all the parentheticals (let the actors figure out if they whisper something, etc.). Nice job overall!

From Garret James Date 10/5/2009 ****
I was really surprised. This script was really good. I loved the characters, they were really believable. Nice intro. Well done.


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