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ALIEN BREW
by Daniel Weiss (maryweiss36@hotmail.com)

Rated: PG-13   Genre: Action/Adventure   User Review: ****
Two beer delivery men from Los Angeles plan a fun weekend in Los Vegas, however, an e-mail one of them finds on a website leads them to Four Corners, California where it all begins. They discover a supposed world summit is not what it appears to be. All summit attendees are not of this world.


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.



ALIEN BREW

FADE IN:

INT. UNLIT OFFICE - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
A CANADIAN DIPLOMAT in an unlit office. Hunched over a
laptop, frantically typing.

We see him type, "THIS IS A HOSTAGE SITUATION."

Outside the office, FOOTFALLS. He looks fearfully over his
shoulder at the door.

On his laptop, a message: "YOUR MESSAGE HAS BEEN SENT"

He closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, relieved.

The door opens and in walks a GUARD.

The GUARD captures our attention; he is mesmerizing.

He's youngish. Very good-looking. Close-cropped black
hair. Finely-knit gray sweater. Gray wool pants. Looks
like a model.

Has EXTREMELY LARGE, PIERCING GRAY EYES.
                                                            
                       CANADIAN DIPLOMAT
      (alarmed)
I was, I was. . .
                                                            
 
INT. ROLL CREDITS - DAY
                                                            
 
INT. LOUNGE - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
The Canadian Diplomat is escorted by the Guard into a
well-appointed lounge. Plush grey carpet, cherry paneled
walls.

In the corner two other Guards talking. Both dressed nicely
in grey sweaters, grey wool pants. Both very good-looking,
but with EXTREMELY LARGE GREY EYES. Seems to be a pattern
here.

From a chair in the middle of the room, a man rises. PALE,
EXTREMELY UGLY, SINISTER face, over seven feet tall. Unkempt
thinning hair. Dressed in black. Definitely not the Adonis
the Guards are.


2.

He walks over with self-importance. Around here, he's
clearly in charge.

As the LEADER nears us, we see that his eyes, too, are
extremely large and grey.

The Guard Steps forward to have a quiet word with the
Leader.
                                                            
The Guard hands the Leader the Canadian Diplomat's laptop.
                                                            
                       GUARD
Master Krill, I caught him on a
laptop.
                                                            
                       GUARD
      (pauses)
I think he sent an e-mail out.
                                                            
                       LEADER
He did, did he?
                                                            
The Leader approaches the Canadian Diplomat.
                                                            
                       LEADER
So, friend. Excessive computer use
a disorder becomes. We must
correct that, Hmmm?
      (cont'd)
Was it communication with the
outside world you were seeking?
                                                            
The Leader's face distorts, his eyes glow red. The Leader
throws the laptop across the room. Actually, it FLIES
across the room and SHATTERS into a thousand tiny pieces.
Obviously, something at play here beyond human strength.
                                                            
                       CANADIAN DIPLOMAT
      (shaking, eyes as
       big as saucers)
Says nothing.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (cont'd)
Friend? Can't hear you. Has the
cat taken away your tongue?
                                                            
                       CANADIAN DIPLOMAT
      (obviously
       frightened)
Nothing! I wasn't doing anything.
I thought you people were
pacifists.
                                                            

3.

We notice the Leader's hands, which have five very long
fingers and a short thumb. His hands begin to glow; his
eyes are glowing red.
                                                            
                       LEADER
This you know, is a SECRET summit.
The meaning of 'secret' you
understand not, eh?
      (pause, sinister
       smile)
SPEAK, earthling!
                                                            
Canadian Diplomat, trembling, too frightened to speak.
                                                            
With no response from the Canadian Diplomat, the Leader
points his right hand at him. A crackling sound like
electricity emits from his fingertips and is transferred
throughout the room and to the body of the Canadian
Diplomat. The Diplomat moans, instantaneously bursts into
flame, falls to the floor and within seconds is but a pile
of ash.
                                                            
 
EXT. PARKING LOT - DAY
                                                            
A beer delivery man in a parking lot of a bar in Los
Angeles. Last delivery of the afternoon. Very neat
appearing, wearing a uniform of taupe-colored pants and
matching shirt with name tag "PAUL CURRIE" on shirt.
Dollying a keg toward a bar.
                                                            
PAUL CURRIE is 25, tall, dark blonde hair, green eyes, very
fit, good-looking. The way he carries himself lets us know
he's not afraid to mix it up. In his eyes, however, we see a
thoughtful and reflective side as well.
                                                            
 
INT. BAR - DAY
                                                            
Two men at the bar, one sitting on a stool, the other one
standing, talking to him.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Who's thirsty?
                                                            
                       CHUCK & WES
Paulie!
                                                            
 

4.

INT. STORAGE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Paul wheels the keg into a storage room followed by the
bar's owner, CHUCK, who had been standing at the bar, an
affable, bear of a man.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
      (demanding)
So where've you and Marni been?
It's been months!
                                                            
                       PAUL
Months! Try three weeks. Rod's
birthday?
                                                            
                       CHUCK
      (remembers)
Oh.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
      (pause)
Well, it feels like months.
                                                            
                       PAUL
And me and Marni. We broke up.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
You're kidding! I thought you
guys were gonna get married.
                                                            
                       PAUL
The stars weren't aligned, Chuck.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
Huh?
                                                            
                       PAUL
It just wasn't in the cards.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
      (Gets an idea)
Well, come by tonight. Place is
gonna be crawling with
criminally-good-looking women.
Having a 'women drink practically
free night.'
                                                            
                       CHUCK
      (smiles)
I'll give you some introductions.
                                                            

5.

                       PAUL
How about a rain check? Am I good
for one? Joe and I are going to
Vegas for the weekend. Coming back
Monday.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
You're good for whatever you want,
and you know that.
                                                            
 
INT. BAR - DAY
                                                            
As Paul walks out of the storage room, the other guy at the
bar nods. WES, who's middle-aged, thick glasses, salt and
pepper hair, jovial manner, and is beginning to paunch,
raises a beer.
                                                            
                       WES
Kill some barley and hops, you
mangy mutt!
                                                            
                       PAUL
Can't Wessie. I'm still on the
clock.
                                                            
                       WES
Are you turning down a brew?
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (stops)
Damn, Wessie. Make that a coke and
I'll join you for a minute.
                                                            
Paul sits down on a stool next to Wes.
                                                            
The bartender hands Paul a mug of coke with ice, puts some
peanuts in front of them; Paul and Wes clink mugs.
                                                            
                       WES
First barley and hops of the day.
Life is good.
                                                            
                       PAUL
You got it, Wessie. Life is good!
                                                            
Paul kills his coke and sets down the mug.
                                                            
                       WES
      (cont'd)
You let me know about that thing
we were talking about.
                                                            

6.

                       PAUL
      (remembers)
Yeah. Our business.
                                                            
                       WES
That's right. Me and you.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Me and you, Wessie. Me and you.
                                                            
                       WES
Hey! Saw this thing on TV. Know
how many new cars hit the roads
here every day?
                                                            
                       WES
      (continues
       dramatically)
A thousand! One thousand! And
they all need a place to park,
Paulie.
                                                            
                       PAUL
At P and W's Parking.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (off Wes's look)
. . .Or W and P's Parking.
                                                            
                       WES
Filthy rich, Paulie.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (laughs)
Obscenely.
                                                            
                       WES
You let me know.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Believe me, I will. Catch you
soon, Wessie. Gotta run. Joe n'
I are going to Vegas for a long
weekend. Been workin' all the
overtime I could get savin' for a
house, Wessie, but sometimes you
just gotta get away!
                                                            
                       WES
See ya, guy.
      (pause, turns to
       Paul as he's
       walking out)
And hit the jackpot for me.
            (MORE)

7.

                       WES (cont'd)
      (pause)
For W and P's!
                                                            
Wes raises his beer in salute, and Paul smiles, walks out
the door.
                                                            
 
INT. PAUL'S DELIVERY TRUCK - DAY
                                                            
Paul driving his truck and texting on his Blackberry at the
same time.

Blackberry is resting on the steering wheel.

He eases into a parking lot full of beer trucks and parks.

Sits in his truck for a moment listening to something
interesting on the radio. On the radio we HEAR:
                                                            
                       NEWSCASTER
In the news, today marks the
beginning of a weekend retreat in
Hawaii involving the president,
some cabinet members, and select
Senators and Congressmen gathered
together to prepare for the
environmental world summit next
month in Lisbon, Portugal. Aides
say the officials plan to keep a
low-profile and will likely limit
their public appearances this
weekend. . .
                                                            
 
INT. LOCKER ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Paul walks into a locker room.

A fun-loving, live-for-the-moment guy with wild dark hair
dressed in street clothes, jeans, athletic shirt, stands in
front of a mirror. JOE GIACOMINI, 26, tall, fit, but hasn't
shaved in three days and his dark raffish hair is a serious
contrast to Paul's well-cut blonde hair.
                                                            
                       PAUL
If you're trying to break that
mirror, Joey,you might as well
save yourself some time and give
it a whack.
                                                            

8.

                       JOE
      (looks at
       watch,turns
       around)
Where the hell were you?
                                                            
                       PAUL
Taking care of business.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (shakes his head)
She call you yet, Romeo?
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (becomes serious)
I don't know. I didn't check my
messages.
                                                            
                       JOE
Don't even bother.
      (slings an arm
       around Paul)
Two weeks, you said. If she
doesn't call in two weeks, you're
done crying in your beer.

Two weeks is up, bud.
      (grins, waves his
       arms)
And TONIGHT you and I are
exploring the outer limits of
human partying. At the party
capital of the world!
                                                            
Joe releases Paul, does a little dance toward the locker
room door, singing in a baritone.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (cont'd, singing)
Do you remember when we used to
sing, sha la la la la la la la la,
la ti dah -- you my brown-eyed
girl!
                                                            
Bumps into locker room door, stops singing abruptly.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Keep your day job, guy.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (looking over his
       shoulder)
Six-thirty sharp I'm over. You're
not ready, I'm making myself a
            (MORE)

9.

                       JOE (cont'd)
Giacomini family special, courtesy
your kitchen.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (pause, then)
By the way, guy, you need to get
some good oregano, not that junk
they sell at the dollar store!
Want my granny Rosie to get you
some...direct from Italy?
                                                            
                       PAUL
Yeah, sure.

And - hey, make it seven. And,
Giacomini, if you plunder my
kitchen, I plunder you!
                                                            
Joe's walking out of the locker room.

From his wallet Paul takes out a picture of an attractive
blonde. Marni.

He begins punching a number on his Blackberry, but stops. He
thinks for a moment, indecisive. Gazes at the photo.

Then he puts away his phone, crumples up the photo, and
takes aim at the wastebasket.

Nothing but net.
                                                            
 
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - EARLY EVENING - DAY
                                                            
A modest three-floor apartment building in Long Beach in the
early evening sunlight.
                                                            
 
INT. PAUL'S APARTMENT - EARLY EVENING - DAY
                                                            
A very neat modest one-bedroom apartment. The living room
has a current L.A. Times on the coffee table, a few framed
photos on an end table, probably family. The kitchen is
clean, a bowl with some fruit on counter.
                                                            
Paul in front of his computer in his bedroom, hypnotized.

We hear a knock at the door, which Paul doesn't notice. The
front door opens, but Paul still doesn't notice.
                                                            

10.

                       JOE
      (O.S.)
If you're still packing. . .
      (Joe walks into
       Paul's bedroom,
       twirling his keys)
Hey dude, no more kiddie porn.
                                                            
Joe picks up two magazines on Paul's dresser.
                                                            
                       JOE
Paulie, you gotta get a life. This
here Sports Illustrated ain't even
the swimsuit edition!
      (pause)
And the New Yorker!
      (pause)
You ever even been to New York?
                                                            
Flings down the New Yorker on Paul's bed, pages through the
Sports Illustrated.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (Paul ignores
       Joe's comments,
       turns slowly from
       his computer)
I just read the most f'ed up
thing!
                                                            
Joe sets the Sports Illustrated back on the dresser.
                                                            
                       JOE
There's a party in Vegas with our
name on it. Tell me on the way.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (doesn't get up)
You remember that website Billy's
sister put up? There was just
this weird e-mail on there. About.
. . About people being held
hostage.
                                                            
                       JOE
What're ya talkin' about?
                                                            
                       PAUL
This guy, I don't know who he was,
said some, quote unquote, VIPs
being held hostage. At a secret
military base. By aliens.
                                                            

11.

                       JOE
      (flippantly)
Oh, yeah. That. Heard about that
on my way over. News flash!
Aliens going postal at Area 51!
Our secret, not-secret military
base.
      (Laughs at his
       joke)
You're so gullible, Paulie. Some
whack-job in Michigan with a
basement full of AK-47s is pulling
conspiracy theories outa his
butt. And you're believing every
word!
                                                            
 
INT. NAVAL INTELLIGENCE - OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
A spacious well-appointed office. A U.S. flag on a pole.
Big oak desk in front of window. Leather couches and
communications console with big-screen TV. Framed
grip-and-grins on the wall behind desk of a strong-featured,
square-jawed, good-looking military man posing with VIPs.
Framed photo of his family on desk.

The military man, ADMIRAL JIM HOYT, 48, is doing sit-ups
with his feet under his desk. He's wearing trousers and
white t-shirt, white dress shirt slaked over his chair.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
Forty-one. . .
      (the phone rings)
Admiral Hoyt.
      (pause, then
       overly
       enthusiastic)
Senator Markingson, how are you?
                                                            
Admiral Hoyt hits the Speaker button on his phone. Gets up,
walks around office.
                                                            
                       SENATOR MARKINGSON
      (SENATOR
       MARKINGSON)
No time for bullshit, Admiral. I
need straight talk. Where the
hell is the president?
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
Senator Markingson, if you watched
the news like everyone else,you'd
see our boss is in Hawaii.
                                                            

12.

                       SENATOR MARKINGSON
No, no Admiral. I hear he's in
California. You got any idea what
it's like working for a chief who
doesn't think he's gotta let you
know where he's off to? I go to
China for, what, three days, come
back, and he's, poof...gone. I
feel like an ass admitting I don't
know where the hell our boss is!
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (ADMIRAL HOYT)
California? Who told you that?
The president is in Hawaii, not in
California! Got it straight from
Pennington, National Security
Adviser,this morning.
                                                            
                       SENATOR MARKINGSON
      (SENATOR
       MARKINGSON)
Listen to me. I will personally
destroy your budget if you're
lying to me. Where exactly the
hell is he and what's he doing
there?
      (pause)
You promise me he's in Hawaii?
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (ADMIRAL HOYT)
I not only promise you, Senator,
that he's alive and well in
Hawaii.
      (smiles)
In fact, I just got intell that
this very moment that he's
admiring two native specimens
wearing grass skirts and coconuts.
                                                            
                       SENATOR MARKINGSON
      (the Senator's
       eyes grow wide
       and he smiles
       lecherously. He
       has forgotten
       about his concern
       with the
       president's
       whereabouts and
       hangs up the
       phone.)
                                                            

13.

RETURN TO ADMIRAL HOYT.
                                                            
Admiral Hoyt disconnects the phone and resumes his sit-ups.
He goes to fifty, finishes, and walks to the MIRROR. He's in
decent shape, a little fleshy around the gut, nothing bad.
                                                            
There's a knock at the door. A boyish military officer,
ramrod straight posture, enters. Sergeant ADAM RILEY, 32.
                                                            
                       SERGEANT RILEY
Sir, there is a situation at the
summit. A Canadian diplomat has
sent out an e-mail on the Internet
saying a large group of, and I
quote, VIPs, are being held
hostage at a secret base by
aliens! The e-mail was merged with
a virus and it reproduced itself
randomly on sites all over the
Internet.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
Jesus. How many?
                                                            
                       SERGEANT RILEY
Sites? About three hundred, sir.
The e-mail was up for three
minutes before Echelon picked up
on it and removed it.
      (pause)
One person opened it and read it.
      (Off the Admiral's
       look)
A man in California. A Paul
Currie, 25, single, employed by a
beer distributor. A recon team's
been sent out for debriefing. No
word back yet.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
There any intelligence on why the
e-mail was sent out?
                                                            
                       SERGEANT RILEY
No, sir.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
It isn't a hoax? Someone with the
Canadian delegation definitely
sent it?
                                                            

14.

                       SERGEANT RILEY
Absolutely. The e-mail was routed
through the Canadian embassy.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (looking puzzled)
And there's no sign of trouble out
there?
                                                            
                       SERGEANT RILEY
None whatsoever, sir. We've heard
nothing from the secret service
contingency with the President. I
would think if there were trouble,
they would have notified us.
                                                            
 
INT. CAFE - EARLY EVENING - NIGHT
                                                            
A small-town cafe, the Coyote Cafe, near Four Corners,
California. All of five customers dining in booths along
the window. One a family of four looking at a pile of
agates they just found on a day-trip nearby.

Two waitresses, 30-somethings, a bit too much makeup on
both, consequences of living in a hot desert environment
shows as lines on faces, Both are blondes, one tall, one
short, standing behind counter, gossiping about a third
waitress who just punched out on the time-clock, seated at a
booth in back.
                                                            
                       WAITRESS #1
Sorry 'bout her mom, but now she
says she's going to move to L.A.
and be a nurse! She thinks she's
so smart taking those classes. I
mean. On-line?
      (pause)
Hello?
                                                            
                       WAITRESS #2
      (half whispers)
I know.
                                                            
                       WAITRESS #1
Did you know she's waiting for a
date?
                                                            
                       WAITRESS #2
Oh my God, no!
      (pauses)
Why didn't you tell me?
                                                            

15.

Two young male customers walk in.
                                                            
                       WAITRESS #1
      (waitress #1
       adjusts her
       zipper on uniform
       to show more
       cleavage)
Honey. I just did.

Supposedly he's some writer guy at
the Barstow Desert Dispatch.
                                                            
                       WAITRESS #2
      (half whispers)
Oh my God.

I hope he stands her up.
                                                            
                       WAITRESS #1
      (over her
       shoulder, walking
       toward the new
       customers)
I know.
                                                            
WAITRESS IN BACK.

SAM JUNE, 22, is seated in a booth writing in a notebook.
She has doe eyes, full lips and lustrous black hair pulled
back with a ribbon, wearing jeans, yellow t-shirt, athletic
shoes. She possesses the rare kind of beauty that will make
a guy's heart both melt with tender feelings and pound with
furious lust.
                                                            
HATTIE, a red-haired waitress, a little plump, late 50s,
early 60s, comes by and sits down next to Sam.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (looks up from
       book)
Hi, Hattie.
                                                            
                       HATTIE
Hiya honey. Here's your paycheck.
From Gus, to me, to you.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (weak smile)
Thanks, Hattie.
                                                            
                       HATTIE
That new perfume?
                                                            

16.

                       SAM
No. It was my mom's.
                                                            
                       HATTIE
Real sorry 'bout your mom,
Samantha. From the talks the
people gave 'bout her in church,
sounds like a really nice lady.
Wish I'd a met her.
                                                            
                       SAM
Thanks, Hattie. She was. I'm
sure going to miss her.
      (pause, small
       smile)
And thanks again for your hot
dish. You sure got lots of
compliments on it.
                                                            
                       HATTIE
      (puts her arm
       around Sam, gives
       her a big hug)
I know, sweetie. I know. Want
you to know I'm here anytime you
want to talk.
      (pause)
Your brother still at your place?
                                                            
                       SAM
No. Ben flew back to Michigan
yesterday. Helped me get the house
ready and on the market, but he's
got classes starting in Ann Arbor
Tuesday.
      (looks down, then
       off to the
       distance)
Wish he weren't so far away.
                                                            
                       HATTIE
      (compassionately)
Ben seems like a real nice young
man. Your mom did a great job
with you two kids. She'd be mighty
proud.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (weak smile)
Thanks, Hattie.
                                                            
                       HATTIE
Whatcha studyin' now, kiddo?
                                                            

17.

                       SAM
      (sets pen down,
       brightens a bit)
Biology, Love it! Goin' real good!
Lot different than high school
biology. Got a couple chapters to
make up, but one year down, three
to go! Thinking 'bout transferring
to the University of Michigan for
my last two years to be close to
Ben.
                                                            
                       HATTIE
You'd probably really like Ann
Arbor, Sam. But - going 'real
good?' Sweetie, my grand kids up
in Minnesota would drop stone dead
if they heard you.
      (pause)
So, what time's your boyfriend
coming by?
                                                            
                       SAM
He's not my boyfriend, Hattie. And
he's not coming by.
                                                            
                       HATTIE
I thought you had a date. It'd be
good for you to get out.
                                                            
Sam looks up, says nothing, goes back to her book.
                                                            
                       HATTIE
      (disapprovingly)
Why'd ya cancel on him, Sam?
Seemed like a nice guy when I met
him.
                                                            
                       SAM
No interest.
                                                            
                       HATTIE
      (Hattie readjusts
       herself in the
       booth. She gazes
       at Sam
       INQUISITIVELY)
What, he's missing a bunch of
teeth?
                                                            
                       SAM
No.
                                                            

18.

                       HATTIE
He lives in the back of his truck?
                                                            
                       SAM
No.
                                                            
                       HATTIE
He calls you dude?
                                                            
                       SAM
No, Hattie. None of the above.
He's a very nice guy for someone,
just not me. I just have no
interest.
                                                            
                       HATTIE
      (Hattie rests her
       elbows on the
       table, looks
       intently at Sam)
You let me know if I'm gettin' too
personal, Sam, but I know every
guy with two hairs on his chin
from here to Barstow's been asking
for your hand. Your mom'd want
you to find someone nice.
      (long pause)
You know some girls worry whether
they're ever gonna catch a man,
but every week you catch a boat
load, and you throw 'em all back.
                                                            
                       SAM
There's gotta be a spark, Hattie.
                                                            
                       HATTIE
      (Hattie shakes her
       head)
Samantha, I don't walk around
telling people what to do because
it ain't none of my business and I
keep it that way. But I'll give
you some free advice. You might
think it's right as rain or wrong
as a whore in church, but if I was
you, I'd start giving these fellas
that are courtin' you some second
looks. Now I know you're fixin'
to sell the place n'move to the
city and so you might look on
people around here as nothin' but
yokels and you might want nothin'
to do with us, but I'll tell you,
Samantha, people are people
            (MORE)

19.

                       HATTIE (cont'd)
whether they're from Four Corners,
California, Minnesota like me n'
Gus,or Paris, France. And if you
don't realize that and stop
looking at people's faults and not
seeing their good sides, you're
gonna be doing the same thing no
matter where you go. You can turn
the earth inside out looking for
the richest, smartest,
best-looking man that ever was,
but it won't matter 'cause you're
only gonna see the ways he's bad.
      (long pause)
And that's the best recipe for
being lonely I know.
      (Sam has been
       staring deeply at
       Hattie, and now
       BLINKS as though
       she's giving her
       words some
       thought)
                                                            
                       SAM
You know, Hattie, you always have
some wisdom for me. Your family's
so lucky to have you!
                                                            
Sam gives Hattie a big hug.
                                                            
                       HATTIE
      (cont'd)
That's just my opinion, girl, and
I love ya like a daughter -- you
know that!
      (pause)
You need a ride home, honey?
                                                            
Hattie stands up.
                                                            
                       SAM
No, no, I drove. But thanks.
                                                            
 
EXT. PAUL'S APARTMENT BUILDING - EARLY EVENING - NIGHT
                                                            
A white unmarked van pulls into the parking lot and two
sizable but otherwise unremarkable men in black suits get
out and enter the building.
                                                            
 

20.

INT. HALLWAY - EARLY EVENING - DAY
                                                            
                       AGENT
      (knocks on door)
Paul Currie?
                                                            
There's no answer, and the men in black suits pick the lock.
                                                            
 
INT. PAUL'S APARTMENT - EARLY EVENING - NIGHT
                                                            
The agents are inside. Check the rooms. Nobody is home.
                                                            
                       AGENT
      (into radio)
Raven to base. Negative on
Currie.
                                                            
 
EXT. DESERT HIGHWAY - EARLY EVENING - NIGHT
                                                            
Paul's Tahoe hauling down a two-lane almost-deserted desert
highway, sun going down. Shows only the tail lights.
                                                            
 
INT. INT. PAUL'S TAHOE - EVENING - NIGHT
                                                            
Paul is driving and Joe is looking at Paul's Blackberry.
                                                            
                       JOE
Told ya I lent my new cell phone
to Cindy at the bowling alley, she
drops it in her drink. Pulls it
out and says it'll work faster
with a little gin in it. . .
                                                            
                       PAUL
You gonna read that or not?
                                                            
                       JOE
      (grudgingly)
Alright. Okay. I'll read
these...
      (pause)
...pearls of internet wisdom!
      (reads)
"Please do not discount this. Not
a hoax! 100 VIP people held
hostage at military base in
California desert. People here for
important meeting; meeting not
what they think. Base taken over
by aliens."
      (Joe shoots Paul a
            (MORE)

21.

                       JOE (cont'd)
       glance)
Face it. This guy overdosed on
X-files.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (glancing at Joe)
Keep reading.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (Joe reads)
"Base is Red Mountain. Entrance at
gas station two miles north of
Four Corners, California. Station
owned by Office of Naval
Intelligence. Military base under
gas station. Password into the
base: "Have you seen Kangaroo
Kansas?"
      (Joe looks up)
Kangaroo Kansas! I saw him
yesterday! Ahead of me at
Starbucks. Dropped a whole dime
in the tip jug! He ain't in Kansas
anymore!
      (Joe shakes his
       head ruefully)
I swear on my grandma's rosary,
Paulie, you'd believe anything!
                                                            
                       PAUL
I didn't say I BELIEVE it. There's
a difference between believing
something - and believing
something's possible.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (long pause)
That made negative sense.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Yeah, to you. But maybe to
someone who opened a book during
high school, it would make perfect
sense.
                                                            
                       JOE
You saying I'm dumb and
uneducated?
                                                            
                       PAUL
Yup.
      (they laugh)
                                                            

22.

                       JOE
Yeah, but it's gotta be twenty
miles out of the way
                                                            
                       PAUL
Ten.
                                                            
                       JOE
Twenty, there and back.
                                                            
                       PAUL
You don't count coming back.
                                                            
                       JOE
Yeah. You do.
                                                            
                       PAUL
No. You don't. If someone on the
street asks you how far it is to
the store, and you know it's a
mile, are you going to tell him
it's two?
      (pause)
Anyway, you owe me one from last
week when I pretended I was you.
And went out with that vegetarian
girl your cousin set you up with.
She LOOKED okay, but --
                                                            
                       JOE
      (remembers with
       amusement)
Oh, if I'd actually gone out with
that girl. . .I woulda murdered
Millie.
      (laughing,
       reminiscing)
She refuses to eat because the
waiter's hand touched YOUR
hamburger,
      (pause)
And then HIS hand touched HER
food, if ya call that stuff
food... Wished I'd a been there!
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (animated, shakes
       his head)
Not TOUCHED! It CONTAMINATED her
food! And, yeah, you SHOULDA been
there -- not me.
                                                            

23.

                       JOE
      (they roar. This
       is FUNNY SHIT)
Thanks for suffering in my place,
bud.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Yeah, sure. But next time, I'm
billing hours. Hours by the
minute, guy!
                                                            
 
EXT. GAS STATION/LIQUOR STORE - NIGHT
                                                            
Old gas station/liquor store off a two-lane desert highway.
A place where time stands still. Sign reads, "Danny's Gas N
Brew."

An older model Chevy Cavalier with a bad muffler pulls off
the highway up to a pump. Sam gets out and pumps gas.

On the horizon, we see a speck of a vehicle coming toward
us.
                                                            
 
INT. PAUL'S TAHOE - NIGHT
                                                            
As Paul and Joe race along, the gas station become visible
ahead.
                                                            
They see a sign over a building: Danny's Gas N Brew.
                                                            
                       JOE
That's gotta be it. Sure as hell
nothin' else out here!
                                                            
They drive past Sam checking her oil. They take in the
SIGHT of her bent over the engine.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (cont'd)
And that would be one
fiine-lookin' woman!
                                                            
They park near a fenced-off junkyard.

Paul STARES at Sam in the rear view mirror.
                                                            
                       JOE
Let's go, Mulder.
      (Paul still
       staring)
                                                            

24.

                       JOE
      (cont'd. mocking
       like a TLC
       commercial)
Come with us as we explore Red
Mountain, a military base hidden
beneath the warm desert sands of
California. The most secret
military base in the world!
Classified a zillion levels above
Top Secret!
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (not paying
       attention to Joe)
I'm gonna go talk to her.
                                                            
                       JOE
Whoa. Are you crazy?
      (pause)
That girl's got a Rolodex of dads.
They all do out here. Nice place
to visit, but I don't know if you
really wanna come here lookin' for
a gene pool.
      (pause, looks
       around, throws
       his arms up)
Who'd actually live out here?
                                                            
Paul hops out. Joe follows.
                                                            
 
EXT. GAS STATION/LIQUOR STORE - NIGHT
                                                            
                       JOE
Fine! Go ahead! I'll just go
save these hostages alone.
                                                            
Joe heads toward the building.

Paul walks over to Sam, who is about to add a quart of oil.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Need a hand?
                                                            
                       SAM
      (turns, looks at
       him)
No, thanks.
      (resumes her work)
                                                            

25.

                       PAUL
      (smiles)
Wouldn't be a problem.
                                                            
                       SAM
No, really.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Did you know the oil is the life
blood of your car? Most important
thing is changing the oil
regularly. A car'll last almost
forever if you just remember to
change the oil.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (mildy interested)
Yeah?
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (smiles)
Yup. Learned it in college.
Majored in muscle cars.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (stifling a laugh)
Thanks for the advice.
      (immediately
       returns to car
       engine)
                                                            
 
INT. GAS STATION/LIQUOR STORE - NIGHT
                                                            
Joe brings a bag of chips and a six-pack of beer to the
counter. The clerk is tall, well-built, with a crew cut.
                                                            
                       JOE
What's up, boss? You Danny?
                                                            
The clerk nods with a hint of DISDAIN and punches up the
chips and brew on the cash register.
                                                            
                       CLERK
Nine-eighty two.
                                                            
Joe throws down two fives.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (nodding his head
       toward the beer)
Good stuff. You drink it?
                                                            

26.

                       CLERK
      (clerk nods
       indifferently)
                                                            
                       JOE
They call you Danny Boy?
                                                            
Clerk ignores remark.
                                                            
                       JOE
Nice night out there.
                                                            
                       CLERK
      (clerk nods,
       doesn't make eye
       contact)
Eighteen cents your change.
                                                            
                       JOE
Thanks, Danny.
                                                            
Joe starts toward the door, but stops. He turns to the
Clerk.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (cont'd)
Hey boss, I been looking for
somebody. Wonder if you've seen
him...
                                                            
 
EXT. GAS STATION/LIQUOR STORE - NIGHT
                                                            
Sam tightening the oil filler cap. Wipes her hands on a
rag. Puts rag in trunk.
                                                            
                       PAUL
So, you're from around here, then?
                                                            
                       SAM
      (she's hardly
       interested,
       doesn't look up)
Why do you say that?
                                                            
In the BACKGROUND, inside the gas station, we SEE something
Sam and Paul do not: Two men come charging out a back door,
strange guns, and GRAB Joe, Then they drag him away.
                                                            
                       PAUL
A hunch.
                                                            

27.

                       SAM
      (looks up)
Your hunch is wrong. I live in
L.A.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Hey! So do I!
      (pause)
Tell me something. How'd you like
to get a drink sometime?
                                                            
                       SAM
I'm really busy lately.
                                                            
Sam starts toward the gas station. Paul follows.
                                                            
                       PAUL
I understand busy. But too busy
to go out for a drink? Maybe a
nice dinner?
                                                            
 
INT. GAS STATION/LIQUOR STORE - NIGHT
                                                            
Sam surveys the candy rack. So does Paul.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Listen. Do you like Japanese
food? A new place just opened
near me. Great food. Sit on the
floor. They make the food right in
front of you. I guarantee you'll
like it.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (looking at rack;
       uninterested)
Guarantee?
      (pause)
...or what?
                                                            
                       PAUL
Or you never have to go out with
me again.
                                                            
She turns and eyes him and smiles faintly. The smile says
he's made an impression.

He picks up a candy bar and gives the fine print a read and
then STIFFENS as a thought CRASHES into his mind.

Where is Joe?


28.

He scans the room. Looks up and down the aisles. This room
is the size of a billionaire's closet. Joe is most
assuredly not in here.

He goes to the counter. Sees a bag of chips and a six pack
of Budweiser on counter. We SEE Sam frown as she watches
him: This is really weird.
                                                            
                       PAUL
There a bathroom in here?
                                                            
Clerk nods his head toward restroom.

Paul pulls open the restroom door. Empty!
                                                            
Another negative. Sam comes over and waits in line. Stands
well behind Paul, one hundred percent creeped out.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (cont'd)
Tall guy in a Hawaiian-print
shirt, dark hair. Was just in
here.
      (Paul nods his
       head toward chips
       and beer on
       counter)
That's probably his chips and
beer!
                                                            
                       CLERK
      (shakes head)
Didn't see anyone. That's my
beer.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (voice getting
       louder)
He was just IN HERE! WHERE'D HE
GO?
                                                            
Sam takes a STEP BACK.

Paul looks ASTOUNDED. And ALARMED.

He looks out the window. Two cars out there: his and Sam's.
A highway. A desert. The night. Nothing more.

No Joe.
                                                            

29.

                       PAUL
      (mutters half to
       himself)
Is this really. . .?
                                                            
                       SAM
Hey! Can I buy this, please?
                                                            
Both the clerk and Paul ignore her.

Paul STUDIES the clerk. We can feel his SHOCK from here.

He looks like a man in a TRANCE.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (now directly to
       clerk)
Have you seen. . .?
      (his head shaking
       incredulously)
. .Kangaroo Kansas?
                                                            
Clerk no longer indifferent, pushes button under counter.
                                                            
Clerk and Paul stare at each other. Within seconds, a door
in back swings open and two big men, soldiers, in fatigues,
carrying rifles Paul's never seen before. Clerk behind
counter motions toward Paul. Two men grab Paul and Sam.
                                                            
                       SAM
What the hell are you DOING?
                                                            
The Soldiers slap cuffs on them.

Paul's LOOK. It's like he's seen a ghost.
                                                            
                       SOLDIER
You're being detained by the
authority of the Federal
Government under Executive Order
4406 as a threat to national
security.
                                                            
                       SAM
A threat to WHAT?
                                                            
                       SOLDIER
We're not required to give any
further information, maam.
                                                            
They are taken through the back door, muttering, into a
hallway.
                                                            

30.

A very bright and very clean hallway. Cameras mounted on
walls. Gray metallic walls with U.S. flag in stand at
corner. Highly polished red vinyl floor.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (unsettled)
What the hell IS this?
                                                            
Another door, which a soldier unlocks with a key from a
key-chain holding a string of keys. They pass through.

Into a very STRANGE place.
                                                            
                       SAM
ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND? THREAT
TO NATIONAL SECURITY?!
                                                            
                       SAM
      (cont'd)
It's freezing in here.
                                                            
At the far end, an elevator.

Above the elevator reads a sign: "ELEVATOR TO TIER TWO"

They reach the elevator. Its doors open.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (suddenly scared
       and mad)
I SAID WHAT THE HELL IS THIS
PLACE?
      (to Paul)
YOU know what this is! I heard
you! YOU KNOW WHAT THIS IS!
                                                            
 
INT. OFFICE - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
A janitor pushing his cart with cleaning supplies through an
office of cubicles, humming. Old, but spry. Skin the color
of coal, hair mostly grey. A gentle quality to him. Wearing
bib overalls.
                                                            
STRICKS, ART, 72, picks up a phone in a cubicle and dials.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
      (playfully)
Sorry. Wrong number!
      (pause)
But, ooh, don't you got a sexy
voice. What's your name, sweet
baby?
                                                            

31.

                       MATTIE
      (filtered;
       humorless)
Arthur Stricks! When you coming
home?
                                                            
                       STRICKS
      (becomes serious)
Workin' extra tonight, Mattie.
                                                            
                       MATTIE
Stricks!
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Baby sweets.
                                                            
                       MATTIE
I told you NOT TO! I said no more
overtime! I told you --
                                                            
                       STRICKS
      (interrupts her)
And I told YOU to tell ME when you
figure out how to get honest money
without working.
      (pause)
We ain't the Gateses, sweet cakes!
                                                            
                       MATTIE
      (sigh, pause,
       defeated for the
       moment)
Artie, you hear 'bout the world
leaders? Meetin' up in Montana,
or was it Hawaii?
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Ah, sweetcakes, first of all, they
wouldn't meet up in Montana. That
state's just for cowboys. And you
gotta stop listenin' to those
garbage radio shows. Listenin' to
them's like eating outta a
dumpster. Garbage ain't good for
you. It don't agree with the
stomach.
      (pause)
I gotta get going, honeybuns. Just
got a shipment of Johnny Walker
Red. Gotta get it priced out
before quittin' time. I'll see
you in the morning. Love ya,
sweetie.
                                                            

32.

Stricks hangs up the phone, starts down the aisle. He HUMS
the same tune.

In an air vent above him, there suddenly comes a
distant,unintelligible SHOUT. Stricks stops and listens. A
few more shouts.

He takes a beat to digest. Concerned. Then starts off
again, no longer humming.
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
Joe and two stout U.S. soldiers in fatigues. They're
forcefully escorting Joe down a LONG, WHITE, BRIGHTLY-LIT
corridor. Joe trying to shake off their hold.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (to one soldier)
I want to call my union. I'm
calling my union!
      (to other soldier)
When they get through with you,
I'm going to be playing Frisbee
with your scalp!
                                                            
 
INT. ELEVATOR - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
Paul and Sam in elevator with soldiers.
                                                            
                       SAM
I wanna see your I.D.s!
                                                            
They flash badges.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (cont'd)
Navy SEALS! What the hell're you
doing here?
                                                            
                       SOLDIER
We've provided all the information
required, maam.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (cont'd)
This is the GESTAPO! You're the
American GESTAPO!
                                                            
Turns to Paul.
                                                            

33.

                       SAM
      (cont'd)
And YOU! You're in on all this!
                                                            
Paul as bewildered as Sam, just shrugs.
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
Stricks pushing his cart down another LONG, WHITE,
BRIGHTLY-LIT corridor. (Picture three U.S. PENTAGONS
stacked on top of each other and buried almost a half-mile
underground. That's the scope of this place.)

Stricks takes a corner. Starts down yet another long,
white, brightly-lit corridor. This place is a maze.
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
Paul and Sam escorted by the two U.S. Soldiers down a LONG,
WHITE, BRIGHTLY-LIT corridor.

Suddenly a voice comes BRAYING over the soldiers' radios:
                                                            
                       VOICE
FALCON TO AVAILABLE BP. AVAILABLE
BP. WE NEED IMMEDIATE BACKUP AT
TWO-NINE! REPEAT TWO-NINE!
                                                            
The soldiers SEIZE Paul and Sam and force them to run along.
                                                            
 
INT. DISPATCH CENTER - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
Two soldiers at a control center, apparently DEAD. Falcon's
call SQUAWKING to an empty room.
                                                            
                       SOLDIER
      (quietly)
Shit!
                                                            
Down the corridor, two U.S. soldiers lying on the floor,
both DEAD! Charred.

Standing over them, FOUR GUARDS. Dressed in grey sweaters
and pants, large grey eyes. We've seen this before.

Joe with them.

A DRAWN-OUT MOMENT where the two sides simply STARE.

Then a guard RAISES a strange gun that seems to emit

34.

electricity.

SOOSH! SOOSH! SOOSH!

The two U.S. soldiers are HIT,and FALL, BURSTING INTO FLAME.
Paul grabs Sam's arm. GLANCES at Joe. Hopeless situation.
Can't rescue him.

Paul and Sam BOLT.

The guards give CHASE.

And now it's HELLFIRE. Everywhere. Strange guns SOOSHING,
emitting electricity.

Quick corner after quick corner. Paul's and Sam's athletic
shoes squeaking on well-waxed floors. Guards with strange
gun definitely trying to eliminate them.

Another corner, and Paul and Sam run square into STRICKS
pushing his cart.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Hells Bells! Who the heck're you
two?
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (breathless)
No time.
                                                            
POUNDING footfalls. Stricks CRANES his ear.

Stricks steps around the corner and STIFFENS. What he's
seeing, he's not believing.

Paul RUSHES over.

The guards are BEARING DOWN. They RAISE their guns. Paul
THROWS Stricks aside and ROLLS Stricks's cart at the
guards.

Paul, Sam and Stricks JET. They take a corner and bust
through the first door.
                                                            
 
INT. A/V ROOM - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
A room filled with A/V equipment.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (breathing hard)
I'd call that a close call. . .but
personally I hate cliches.
                                                            

35.

Stricks, out of breath, not used to moving fast, motions for
silence. Outside we hear the guards run by.

The trio waits. Then Stricks motions and they slip out into
the corridor.
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
Without speaking, Stricks leads them to an intersection.
Stealthily, they peer around the corner.

Clear.

They come to another door and enter.
                                                            
 
INT. MACHINERY VAULT - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
Dark, dank. Rumbling machinery.

There's a long beat of confused silence while. . .

Sam glares at Paul.

Stricks looks from Paul to Sam.

Three monkeys standing around searching for their bananas
couldn't look more confused.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (to Paul)
YOU did this!
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (ignores her; to
       Stricks)
What IS this?
                                                            
                       STRICKS
      (half smile)
Would you believe it's Danny's Gas
N Brew?
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (Paul gives a slow
       head shake)
Nope.
                                                            

36.

                       STRICKS
      (cont'd)
Well, I tried.
      (pause)
Military base. Kind of secret.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (looks accusingly
       at Stricks)
KIND OF?
                                                            
Stricks shrugs sheepishly: He mis-stated a little bit.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (bewildered)
A military base!
                                                            
                       STRICKS
My first day at work they tell me
I ever tell anybody about where I
work I'd find myself in the
desert. Permanently. Waited for
the guy to laugh. He didn't. I
signed all kinds of papers that
had all kinds of words I didn't
know. Mind you, that was a whole
lotta years ago and I ain't never
said a word. Judging by them
fellas out there though, they got
some bigger worries now than me.
      (pause)
You're in Red Mountain 'bout a
half-mile under the ground.
      (with a dash of
       pride)
Most secret military base in the
world.
                                                            
Paul and Sam are speechless.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
      (cont'd)
C'mon. Let's get the cuffs off.
                                                            
He leads them down a narrow passageway hemmed in by
AMBER-GLOWING MACHINERY.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Christ. Four hours ago I was
delivering kegs of brew to bars.
                                                            

37.

                       STRICKS
      (turns, interested)
Yeah?
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (touch of pride)
Beck's, Leinies, Budweiser and
Sammy A.
                                                            
Stricks nods his approval.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (hesitantly)
And Schlitz.
                                                            
A look by Stricks.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (shrugs)
Hey, four outa five!
                                                            
They continue on down the cramped passageway.

Sam abruptly stops walking.
                                                            
                       SAM
Where are we going?
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Somewhere safe.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (with attitude)
Where? I wanna know WHERE we're
going!
      (pause)
And I want to know what's going on
here!
                                                            
                       STRICKS
I know the young lady is upset.
But she's too intelligent and
pretty by far to let this beat
her.
                                                            
Sam's hostility melts.

Paul stares at Stricks with a new respect, as if Stricks
were Jesus, Mohammad and the Buddha rolled into one.
                                                            
                       PAUL
So, what exactly do they do here?
Or rather, what do YOU do?
                                                            

38.

                       STRICKS
What do I do? I just mop n' dust,
polish floors, and put prices on
those bottles of hooch upstairs.
What do they do? They do anything
they want. They do what the
Washington boys don't want the
public to know about, young man.
And what the public don't need to
know about.
                                                            
Long pause. Stricks seems ready to leave it at that. Not
Paul and Sam.
                                                            
                       SAM
Such as?
                                                            
                       STRICKS
All on a need to know basis.
      (sees this won't
       pacify Paul and
       Sam)
And all I'm supposed to need to
know is how to mix water and
bleach. But people talk. And more
important, they explain. Which
is necessary. When you got
uneducated brains like mine you
ask them to explain. Which they
love to do!
      (pause)      (then, with some
       panache)
So, such as? Such as a lota
H.A.A.R.P. stuff, a lota
psychotronics, a lota
less-than-lethals, some EM
weaponry, some geophysical stuff,
and tons of Naomi. And then all
the heavy stuff is on tier three.
                                                            
A beat.
                                                            
                       PAUL
That translate into English?
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Nope.
                                                            
                       SAM
So where's tier three?
                                                            

39.

                       STRICKS
Show ya.
                                                            
They come to a door.
                                                            
 
INT. HUGE DARK CAVERN - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
Stricks opens the door and they walk out into a HUGE DARK
CAVERN.

In front of them, the edge of a BLACK PIT.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
      (points down with
       his head)
Down there.
      (pause)
More n'nother half-mile 'bout.
                                                            
Awestruck beat.
                                                            
                       PAUL
What? They just started building
something and quit?
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Yup. Put in a service elevator,
but mainly use tier three for
storage.
      (pause)
And some other stuff...from time
to time.
                                                            
Before them, a dubious rope bridge crosses the black pit.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
      (cont'd)
Follow me and you'll be my first
guests ever at the Underground.
                                                            
He starts over the bridge. Looks back.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
      (cont'd)
One at a time though. Long, long
way to the bottom.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (yells to Stricks
       who's halfway
       across)
Hey! What about that heavy stuff!
What's that supposed to mean? And
            (MORE)

40.

                       PAUL (cont'd)
exactly what do they store on tier
three?
                                                            
                       STRICKS
      (over his shoulder)
It means you'd better clear your
mind about what's possible and
what's not. 'Cause there's a new
reality ringin' the doorbell.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Thanks. Crystal clear now.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY - PENTAGON - NIGHT
                                                            
Admiral Hoyt walking at a brisk pace with Sergeant Riley.
                                                            
                       SERGEANT RILEY
      (handing Admiral
       Hoyt folders)
Here's the 40 Report, the Council
Report of the 23rd, and...the
notes on the summit.
                                                            
A stack of papers in Admiral Hoyt's hands. Almost two
telephone books tall.

They look at the papers, look at each other, and chuckle.

They reach the National Security Council (N.S.C.) Chambers.
Sergeant Riley nods to Admiral Hoyt and leaves.

Up walks a strutting man in army dress. GENERAL MAAS, 57,
wire glasses, shiny domed with wisps of white hair circling
head, lip-biter, has the red-faced look of a man eternally
pissed. He gives a curt nod to Admiral Hoyt and brushes
past him into the N.S.C. Chambers.

An asshole of the first order.
                                                            
 
INT. PENTAGON - NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS - NIGHT
                                                            
Six men and two women around a mahogany conference table,
Comprised of the Vice President, National Security Adviser
to the President, Secretary of State, Director Central
Intelligence, National Security Adviser, Director of
Homeland Security, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, place
names in front of them; names fade in and out on screen. The
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in military dress,
rest in suits. In addition, special guest, Dr. Drake

41.

Francis, Sr. Astronomer of the SETI Institute of California
is in attendance. A U.S. flag on a pole to the right of
desk.

The Director of Central Intelligence (DCI), thick, white
hair, bushy eyebrows, long thin nose, dignified air, well
groomed, lean and distinguished in his advancing age, sits
at the right hand of the Vice President, who is at the head
of the table, but who defers to the DCI in this particular
meeting.
                                                            
Vice President Cabot nods to DCI to begin.
                                                            
                       DCI
      (clears throat,
       takes sip of
       water)
Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you
all for coming here tonight on
such short notice, but we have a
situation, or should I say an
alleged situation, which brings
into question our national
security and the security of our
President. An e-mail supposedly
appeared for a brief period on the
Internet claiming hostages are
being held by...by aliens, at a
secret underground military base,
as posted by a Canadian diplomat
at the summit. This, as all of you
know, would be our Red Mountain
base near Los Angeles. And as all
of you also know, President
Kleinbank is in attendance at the
summit.

This supposed e-mail was up for
three minutes before Echelon
removed it. The e-mail was read
apparently only by one person, a
Paul Currie, 25, Long Beach,
California. A half hour ago Mr.
Currie and two other civilians
were detained at Red Mountain. Our
surveillance of the facility shows
no problems. Further, we've been
in contact until recently with the
delegation at the facility, and
they have as yet reported no
problems.

Right now, ladies and gentlemen,
our primary concern is for the
            (MORE)

42.

                       DCI (cont'd)
safety of our country and the
safety of President Kleinbank.
      (pause)
However, as our special guest will
tell you..
      (motions to man
       sitting to his
       right)
the lack of report of problems
does not mean the lack of
problems.
                                                            
                       DCI
      (nods to gentleman
       sitting to his
       right)
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a
special visitor with us. Dr.
Drake Francis, Sr. Astronomer from
the SETI Institute of California.
As you may or may not know, SETI
is an acronym for Search For
Extraterrestrial Intelligence. Dr.
Francis contacted me this
afternoon and flew out immediately
to discuss the situation with us.
I will let Dr. Francis explain to
you what is happening.
                                                            
                       DR. DRAKE FRANCIS
Ladies and gentlemen, normally
what we do at the SETI Institute
does not come under the scrutiny
of the government. That is,
unless and until we make contact
with life beyond our universe.
This has now happened. The Carl
Sagan Institute of SETI made
contact in May, 2004,through
Project Phoenix in New South
Wales, Australia, using
electromagnetic emissions. Since
that time preparations have been
made for an intergalactic meeting
between the leaders of our world
and the leaders of the contact,
Zeta. Zeta is several light years
away from our planet and
inhabitants from Zeta have now
arrived on our planet for the most
important meeting to ever take
place on earth's soil. We had
every reason to believe these
            (MORE)

43.

                       DR. DRAKE FRANCIS (cont'd)
beings were coming in peace,
however, communications were
intercepted just TODAY that made
us realize differently. Their
intentions, unfortunately, are to
annihilate the citizens of our
planet and use our mother earth
for an outer base. This belief is
confirmed by the e-mail sent by
the Canadian Diplomat, the e-mail
the Director of Central
Intelligence just spoke of.
                                                            
The members of the N.S.C. sit in utter disbelief, shocked,
not knowing what to think or how to react.
                                                            
                       VICE PRESIDENT CABOT
      (looking from face
       to face)
The summit is to begin in a few
hours. Considering the diplomat's
e-mail, considering the
communications failure, and
considering the three civilians
detained at the facility, we are,
gentlemen and ladies, in a state
of total uncertainty.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (nods to DCI and
       Vice President)
Director and Vice President Cabot,
I propose we try to contact this
Mr. Currie, the individual from
Long Beach who read the e-mail
from the Canadian diplomat. If
he's carrying a cell phone he'd be
valuable pair of eyes.
                                                            
Admiral Hoyt looks at Vice President, who nods his approval.
                                                            
                       VICE PRESIDENT CABOT
This Paul Currie could be useful
to us. We are going to see if we
can get in touch with him.
                                                            
                       GENERAL MAAS
      (loudly, directed
       to Admiral)
With all due respect, Admiral and
Dr. Francis, I think that's the
dumbest off-the-wall idea I've
heard in all my life. The
            (MORE)

44.

                       GENERAL MAAS (cont'd)
surveillance system at Red
Mountain is the best in the world.
Bar none. You know that! We
don't need this fella's help. And
besides, this Currie probably
thought the e-mail was a joke!
Which it probably was.
                                                            
                       DCI
      (to General Maas)
Your point is well taken, General.
      (looks to Vice
       President, who
       nods approval)
But the safety of President
Kleinbank and indeed the safety of
the world are at stake. We ARE
going to approve Admiral Hoyt's
proposal!
                                                            
 
INT. STRICKS OFFICE - TIER TWO - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
A jerry-built office. Walls made of dark-colored bed
sheets. The sense is that we're in a vast room. In the
corner, wooden crates of army equipment. An old grey metal
desk with just a phone and a family photograph that appears
to be of three generations on it. A sign hanging from the
wall reading: "The U.N.derground".
                                                            
Stricks leads Paul and Sam in. First thing, he gets a large
wire cutter out of his cabinet and cuts off their cuffs.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Welcome to the Underground. Have
a seat.
                                                            
They find chairs, clear newspapers off, and sit.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
      (cont'd)
I'm Stricks, Artie Stricks, but
you can call me Stricks.
                                                            
Introductions are given.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
      (cont'd)
You two married?
                                                            
                       SAM
No!
                                                            

45.

                       PAUL
      (under his breath)
Glad you're so into me.
                                                            
                       SAM
What?
                                                            
                       PAUL
I said. . . glad you cleared that
up. Wouldn't want a
misunderstanding.
                                                            
                       SAM
Of course not!
                                                            
Stricks smiles. Stricks knows the score.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (to Stricks)
I've never seen him before. In my
life! I was just waiting in line
in the gas station. And he said
something to the clerk. Beginning
of story, end of story.
      (pause, Sam looks
       around, raises
       her arms)
...and here we are!
                                                            
                       STRICKS
      (to Paul)
Sounds like you've got the story
to tell.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (to Sam)
I did NOT mean to get you
involved. Whatever we're involved
in, I dunno. It was something on
the Internet. Dumb.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Internet?
                                                            
                       PAUL
This message. Talked about
hostages. At a secret military
base.
                                                            
                       SAM
Here?
                                                            

46.

                       STRICKS
Hostages?
                                                            
                       PAUL
Yeah. Hostages!
                                                            
                       SAM
Here?
                                                            
                       STRICKS
      (to himself)
Hostages.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Yeah. Why, that mean anything to
you?
                                                            
                       SAM
Hostages? I said are there
hostages HERE?
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (turns to her)
I. Don't. Know.
                                                            
Stricks looks afar, thinking.
                                                            
Sam glares at Paul.

Stricks goes to a shelf. Starts to monkey with a monitor.
                                                            
                       SAM
Am I the only one wondering who
those armed thugs are??
                                                            
                       PAUL
Who knows! PLO? Al-Qaida?
                                                            
                       SAM
      (getting visibly
       upset)
Okay, OKAY!!
                                                            
Stricks over his shoulder.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Might be a little off.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (looks intently at
       Stricks)
Yeah? Who are they then?
                                                            

47.

                       STRICKS
Stricks just shakes his head.

The phone rings.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Danny's Gas N Brew.
      (pause)
Hey, Mattie.
      (longer pause)
Listen, sweet cakes, you got me at
a bad time. Workin' on that
shipment of Johnny Walker. But,
nope, won't forget the eggs n'
bread...
      (pause)
Yes, I know, sweetie...Derrick's
flying in on Sunday. I won't be
workin' on Sunday. Promise!
      (pause)
See my sweet cakes in the morning.
                                                            
Stricks hangs up phone.
                                                            
If they tried, Paul and Sam couldn't look more DUMBFOUNDED.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
      (matter-of-factly)
Well, upstairs they DO sell some
gas, beer and liquor. Danny's Gas
N Brew. Deflects attention.
      (pause)
Can't believe I'm telling you
this. Always wondered if the day
would come I'd hafta tell someone.
The "Going to the Desert Day," I
calls it. Even Mattie don't know
nothin'. Hells bells, I could lose
my job, sure as dust!
      (pause)
But Mattie sure as heck ain't the
one you wanna call for help. She'd
be here with her sister armed with
brooms and baseball bats!
                                                            
                       SAM
Deflects attention from WHAT?
Won't someone please just tell me
something? I wanna go home! NOW!
                                                            

48.

                       PAUL
      (throws his hands
       up)
This cannot get any more weird!
                                                            
Stricks walks to the monitor, points a remote at it.

Up pops a shot. A large auditorium. Empty.

Paul gets up. Has a look.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (to Stricks)
Who's Mattie? Are you married?
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Forty-one years!
                                                            
                       SAM
Well, where does your wife think
you work?
                                                            
                       STRICKS
      (glum)
Exactly where I do work, sweetie.
What's printed on my paycheck I
give her every Friday: Danny's
Gas N Brew.
      (off Sam's look)
I know. But it pays. And it's
the only secret I've ever kept
from Mattie! And ever will.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (suddenly turns to
       Sam and Stricks)
Hey! Is this live? Don't seem to
be nothin' here.
                                                            
Stricks takes a closer look at the monitor.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Hells bells! You're right as
dust.
                                                            
Stricks punches some buttons on the remote. Punches some
buttons on the monitor. Works some magic.

And up pops a new shot.

The auditorium no longer empty. Now full of people.

The LEADER on stage.
                                                            
 

49.

INT. AUDITORIUM - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
The Leader gazing out at the crowd. Pale face, huge grey
eyes, thin black hair, over seven feet tall. This guy is
flat-out ugly with huge hands, long fingers with a thumb and
six fingers on each hand..
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (in a firm, but
       monotone voice)
Thank you, distinguished ladies
and gentle men, for having us. We
are truly honored to have your
acquaintance made. We will as
your father be. We will come and
live among you. We will your
countries run, your people
control. There will be not need
for worry from you as to
discipline of your people. We
guarantee you quiet people with
quiet needs, as are our
children-people. Children-like
they will all be. Contained. No
outbursts. No wanting. Smiles from
all. Quiet. Quiet, all.
      (pause)
We come to you and your earthlings
offering to you a branch from the
tree of olives. Because we know
some of you do speculate as to our
intents, let us put now that
question to rest. We are
pacifists. We regard the harming
of any life as a most gross moral
transgression. We come in a most
brotherly kindness. Fatherly
kindness.
      (pause)
What we bring to the table, then,
today is a proposal for our people
to become with you and your people
formal friends, formal friends and
father friends. One father, ME,
Master Krill, with many, many,
many quiet children! YOU! My
children! Formal family all by
formal treaty.
      (pause)
To be signed by all together,
together this night.
                                                            

50.

A murmur of surprise from the crowd. Actually, probably more
fear than just surprise.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (cont'd)
We propose you discuss for an hour
and then we shall hold a vote.
      (smiles smugly)
And then we shall have each new
friends made!
      (pause)
Again, distinguished ladies and
gentle men, it is a pleasure, an
honor, a most fortunate chance,
for us to together unite. We look
with fondest eye forward to the
fruits of our newly-found family
of friendship.
                                                            
The Leader waves like a KING. And leaves.
                                                            
STRICKS' OFFICE.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Can we follow him?
                                                            
Stricks works the buttons.

Up pops a shot. The Leader in a corridor.
                                                            
CORRIDOR.
                                                            
The Leader marching down the corridor. Runs into a British
diplomat who has run out of the auditorium to vomit.

The Leader offers his hand.
                                                            
Off man's confusion
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (extremely smug)
Jonathan French! Representing her
Majesty's Crown, no?
      (off the man's
       confusion)
I the players know, Jonathan. I
don't know the bench warmers, but
I do the players know!
      (smiles broadly)
So friends we will be, Jonathan!
                                                            

51.

                       JONATHAN
      (frightened,
       turning white)
I honestly think perhaps that...
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (patting French on
       shoulder)
What is it you honestly think
perhaps that, my British friend?
                                                            
                       JONATHAN
      (getting up nerve)
I honestly think I'll recommend to
the Prime Minister against signing
the treaty! We will determine our
own destiny! We will not be your
pawns!
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (taken aback)
Oh, no, Jonathan! That is
terrible!
Marvelously terrible!
      (pauses, smiles
       sinisterly)
Jonathan, your decision you must
reconsider! I will determine your
destiny!
                                                            
                       JONATHAN
      (becoming defiant)
I'm going to urge that the U.K.
delegation withdraw!
                                                            
Leader leans down and puts both hands threateningly on
Jonathan's shoulders.
                                                            
                       LEADER
Friend Jonathan, let me be most
level with you. I CANNOT THIS
ALLOW.
      (pause)
I cannot allow you to go back to
your delegation and suggest they
withdraw.
                                                            
                       JONATHAN
      (angry)
YOU CANNOT THIS ALLOW??
                                                            

52.

                       LEADER
Did I stutter, friend Jonathan?
Was I not speaking your Queen's
proper English? Or...
      (pause)
Or...would you wish to destroy me,
Jonathan?
                                                            
                       JONATHAN
      (now becoming
       frightened)
What! ...Destroy?
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (louder)
Because if you wish to destroy a
being, Jonathan, at least let him
know so he can feel it.
                                                            
The Leader raises his right hand which begins to glow and
emit a hissing, crackling sound.
                                                            
                       JONATHAN
      (startled)
What...what are you going to do..?
WITH THAT?
                                                            
The Leader calmly aims his glowing hand at the British
diplomat's face. Electricity crackles. The diplomat
screams, his head bursts into flame, then his whole body,
and he moans horribly as he disintegrates into a heap of
ash.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (laughing
       diabolically)
From dust to dust, friend
Jonathan.
                                                            
STRICK'S OFFICE
                                                            
Paul, Sam and Stricks staring at the monitor. Realizing the
depth of the trouble they're in.
                                                            
                       PAUL
That joker gives a new twist to
the word pacifist.
      (he looks at his
       Blackberry)
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Only I don't think the joker's
joking.
                                                            

53.

                       SAM
      (almost hysterical)
Oh, my God! The joker's not
joking. What a line! The joker's
not joking! I wanna go home!! I
JUST want to be a nurse! I want
to GO HOME!
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (looks
       sympathetically
       at Sam)
Ding, ding, new message. Maybe
it's a spam. Selling Tech-9s.
Same day Fed Ex.
                                                            
Reads from Blackberry.
                                                            
                       PAUL
"Mr. Currie, this is Admiral Hoyt,
Office of Naval Intelligence. As
regards your detainment at the
facility where you are, are you
free to respond?"
                                                            
                       SAM
Shut up!
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (handing her his
       Blackberry)
Wanna read it for yourself?
                                                            
She does. Then she hands it back. A shade paler.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (to Stricks)
How'd they know I was here?
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Hells bells! Really care right
now?
                                                            
Paul takes a beat.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Alright. Good point. Well taken.
Time to call in the cavalry.
      (reads as he types)
Admiral Hoyt, I am at the facility
where I am. Some assholes,
whatever they are, just killed
five SEALS and whacked out a
            (MORE)

54.

                       PAUL (cont'd)
British diplomat."
                                                            
                       SAM
Whacked out a diplomat? Think you
could make that sound a little bit
more harsh?
                                                            
                       PAUL
Blew out the stiff upper lip of a
U.K. diplomat? Or perhaps,
"permanently detained, against his
will, a high-ranking member of a
sovereign nation."
                                                            
Sam rolls her eyes. Stricks chuckles.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (becomes serious,
       texts)
"Assistance and direction
appreciated. BTW: Who are these
jokers, anyhow?"
      (stops texting,
       reads screen,
       turns to Sam and
       Stricks)
Do I wish to send my message?
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
A strange object FLOATING silently down a corridor. This
FLYING GLOBE is metallic gray in color, has an aura around
it; it's the size of a softball, and emits a humming sound.
                                                            
 
INT. STRICKS' OFFICE - TIER TW0 - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
Firm nods from Sam and Stricks.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Yes! I want to send this message.
Hits SEND.
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
As if hearing someone summon it, the Flying Globe suddenly
ACCELERATES down the corridor, humming, in a new direction.
                                                            
 

55.

INT. PENTAGON - NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS - NIGHT
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (sober)
Gentlemen and Ladies, we've
received a reply from Mr. Currie.
He has advised us that five guards
have been murdered, as well as a
British diplomat.
                                                            
The Chambers erupt. Shock. Anger. Confusion.
                                                            
                       GENERAL MAAS
      (standing up)
Please! Please!
      (pause)
There's absolutely no good reason
to believe anyone at all has been
killed at the summit!
                                                            
                       SECRETARY OF STATE
Except, perhaps, that someone
there just told us?
                                                            
                       GENERAL MAAS
      (looks at N.C.S.
       Member, raises
       his voice)
And who, Mitch, 'told' us? Some
beer man. Some nut job beer man.
We spent over 700 mill on intell
gathering last year, and frankly,
it is so more state-of-the-art
than No. 2, which is 15 years
away! And you all want to listen
to a beer man instead?
                                                            
                       DIRECTOR HOMELAND SECURITY
General, no offense, but right now
our intell gathering obviously is
suspect. We have a need to know.
      (heads nod in
       agreement)
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (to DCI, solemnly)
Director, I agree with Stanford.
I'd like to propose we work with
this Currie, this beer man, as you
say. That we be candid and
forthcoming about what's going on
down there. That we treat him as a
valuable asset. Truth is, he's
the only eyes and ears we have
            (MORE)

56.

                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT (cont'd)
down there.
                                                            
The DCI takes a beat to digest. Then:
                                                            
                       DCI
Members, I share General Maas's
reservations about engaging a
civilian, an outsider in sensitive
operations.
      (looks at each
       member)
However. Our need for intell at
the facility is so real that it
trumps my reservations.
      (looks down for a
       moment, then
       speaks more
       forcefully)
Therefore, I approve the proposal
to engage Mr. Currie as an asset.
We will gain as much information
from him as we can.
      (tidies the papers
       in front of him,
       then speaks more
       softly)
And, if it so happens that we
exhaust his usefulness - we can
eliminate him as an asset.
                                                            
 
INT. STRICK'S OFFICE - TIER TWO - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (reads e-mail from
       Admiral Hoyt)
"paul, thank you for the
information. national security
council appreciative.
Unfortunately your account of
troubles not consistent with our
surveillance. Any intell you can
gather appreciated. To answer
question: no, the 'jokers' not
mideastern, but extraterrestrial
biological entities, EBEs. A
shock no doubt, a reality no
less."
                                                            
                       SAM
Ha-ha!
                                                            

57.

Paul doesn't laugh. Stricks doesn't laugh.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (becoming more
       confused)
You don't think that's funny?
      (pause, then truly
       frightened,
       almost crying)
Quit, please, quit playing with
me! I want to go home!
      (pause,now almost
       crying)
I only want to be a nurse!
                                                            
Paul grimly slides her the Blackberry. She reads it. Then
she pushes it away.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (looking upward,
       still panicky)
Dear God, I swear I didn't mean it
last night when I said I didn't
think You exist. I know You exist
      (pause, sniveling)
Only I don't think I want to meet
You just yet.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (puts his hand on
       Sam's arm)
I'm really sorry, Sam, for getting
you into this. Really am.
      (pause)
And, believe me, I WILL get you
out of this! I shoulda just let
you buy your candybar upstairs,
and go home. You shouldn't be
here.
                                                            
Sam suddenly bursts into tears.
                                                            
                       SAM
No one at home...my mom...she just
died.
                                                            
Paul puts his arms around Sam and comforts her.

After a good cry, she stops, wipes her nose with the back of
her hand.
                                                            

58.

                       PAUL
      (looks into Sam's
       eyes)
I'm so sorry. I know. It hurts,
hurts a lot. My dad died last
April.
      (pauses, looks
       outward)
He never could quit smoking.
                                                            
They look intently into each other's eyes as though
absorbing each other's hurt.
                                                            
                       PAUL
And, Sam, I heard what you said
about God. Felt the same -- but
ask Him to let you know your mom's
okay. Sounds hokey, but He will.
And I guarantee it.
                                                            
Paul and Sam share a cathartic smile.
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR - TIER TWO - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
Four EBEs MARCHING down the corridor. Determined.
Blood-thirsty.

Travelling with them, the humming flying globe.
                                                            
 
INT. STRICK'S OFFICE - TIER TWO - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (to Stricks)
You knew all along.
                                                            
Stricks nods.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (panicky)
WHY didn't you tell us?
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Guess I adopted government policy.
Hells bells! Why tell 'em if
it'll only scare 'em?
                                                            
                       SAM
But, if they're smart enough to
get here - those guys - those
things - surely the're open to
reason. They gotta believe in
more than just brute force.
            (MORE)

59.

                       SAM (cont'd)
      (pause, looks at
       Paul and Stricks)
Right?
                                                            
No comment from Paul and Stricks.
                                                            
Abruptly, the door to Strick's office is forced open.
Four EBEs and the humming, flying globe.

Paul PICKS up the table, twists around like a short-putter,
and HURLS it at the EBEs. Very impressive.

Then he slams what remains of the damaged door closed.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (to Sam, talks
       fast)
First, answer to your question:
No. Second, will you please hand
me that chair?
                                                            
Paul wedges the chair under the door knob looking at it like
he knows it ain't going to do much.

And the trio runs out the back of Stricks' office, headed
back toward the huge, dark cavern.
                                                            
                       PAUL
You ask me that was a pretty rude
entrance.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (trying for
       composure)
Agreed. They're in desperate need
of their own Ann Landers.
                                                            
Paul and Sam GLANCE AT EACH OTHER. Their eyes LOCK. They
smile. They CLICK.

We follow the trio as they rush down the HEMMED-IN
passageway. Behind them, an EXPLOSION. Seconds later, the
EBEs. In not-messing-around pursuit.

Strange guns go SWOOSH! Where they hit the walls, it
catches on fire.

The trio bursts out into the HUGE DARK CAVERN. The rope
bridge. Stricks motions for Sam to go first.
                                                            
                       SAM
I'm quicker; you first.
                                                            

60.

Stricks starts across.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Just curious. What'd ya think's
worse? Falling a mile to your
death - or being held hostage by
aliens who shop at Banana
Republic?
                                                            
                       SAM
      (Sam starts across
       the bridge)
Personally I thought they were
pretty sharp dressers.
                                                            
Sam makes it and Paul starts across.

He's nearly to the end when the EBEs SHOW.

A Guard raises his weapon to fire at Paul, but his superior,
who's at least six inches taller than the other EBEs, and
ugly like the Leader, waves him off. The superior
approaches the bridge.

Paul gets motivated and BOLTS. The superior extends his
weapon toward the bridge, it emits electricity, the rope
bridge catches on fire. One bridge support is FRIED. The
bridge SWAYS. Paul nearly falls. SCRAMBLES on his knees
toward the ledge.

The second support is FRIED. The bridge is FINISHED.

Paul LEAPS. Grabs ahold of the ledge by his FINGERTIPS.
HOISTS himself up, and as the EBEs start firing, ROLLS
around the corner to Sam and Stricks.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (a bit out of
       breath)
I'd call that a close call. . .
                                                            
                       SAM
But personally you hate cliches...
                                                            
Paul shoots Sam a glance. Laughs. Is she playing him?

The trio together peer around the corner.

The EBEs and their superior standing around looking lost.
Staring at the rope bridge they just BURNT.

The trio heads off. Down the hemmed-in passageway.
                                                            

61.

                       PAUL
History of the world.
      (pause)
Dumbest move ever. Jokers just
let us get away scot free!
                                                            
A DOOR. They pass through and they're back into the maze.

To the left, an endless vista of long, white, brightly-lit
corridor.

To the right - a FORMATION of EBEs.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
You were saying?
                                                            
                       PAUL
ME? I haven't said nothing in
five minutes.
                                                            
The trio BOLTS. The EBEs BOLT after them.

The trio takes a sharp corner. Two dead U.S. soldiers. Paul
takes a gun from one of them. RUNNING like hell, they're
nearly to another intersection when the EBEs appear behind
them and FIRE.

A ceiling tile suffers an errant shot and drops. Stricks
tries to avoid it, gets tripped up and FALLS.

He doesn't get up. In fact, he doesn't move.

The EBEs advance. Paul FIRES and hits one square in the
chest and drops him DEAD. A green fluid pours out of him.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Stricks, you bag o'bones, get up!
                                                            
No movement. Paul ROLLS him over. No gunshot wounds. Paul
slaps him. Nothing.

The EBEs take a few POTSHOTS. Paul crouches and returns
fire. Hits two. A green fluid pours out. Two left.

Paul bends and HEAVES Stricks onto his back as though
Stricks were a sack of potatoes. Sam watches with open
admiration.

They JET. Paul fires over his shoulder at the two remaining
EBEs.

They round a corner and Paul stops abruptly.
                                                            

62.

                       SAM
      (visibly agitated)
...What're you doing?
                                                            
Paul sets Stricks down. Crouches against the wall and
motions for Sam to do the same.

The EBEs round the corner. Paul LEAPS up.

Not a prayer.

BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!

The EBEs stagger and fall to the floor DEAD.

More green fluid.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Welcome to Southern California!
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
Paul and Sam waiting for the elevator. Stricks a sack of
potatoes on Paul's back.
                                                            
 
INT. GAS STATION/LIQUOR STORE - NIGHT
                                                            
Paul and Sam emerge into the gas station.

Paul carries Stricks behind the counter. Sets him in a
recliner that's seen its better days.
                                                            
                       SAM
Back there. .I was. . I was
impressed.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Huh?
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (motioning to
       Stricks)
You went back there for him.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Couldn't leave him.
                                                            
Paul nods. He sees a microfridge. Opens it. Smiles. BEER!
                                                            
                       PAUL
Beer?
                                                            

63.

                       SAM
No thanks.
                                                            
Paul helps himself to two. One for now, one for the road.
He puts the road brew in his pants cargo pocket, puts the
other brew to his lips.

Goes to the open doorway, looks out at the highway.

Sam walks over.
                                                            
                       SAM
Hey, Paul, listen. About the
complete baby I was being, I
apologize.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Yeah?
                                                            
                       SAM
Yeah.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (puts his hands on
       Sam's shoulders)
You weren't a baby, Sam. You've
been through a heck of a lot
lately. Wish I could make it
easier. Your mom's death...and
now this.
                                                            
Paul and Sam walk outside.
                                                            
 
EXT. GAS STATION/LIQUOR STORE - NIGHT
                                                            
                       SAM
      (cont'd)
I think you're kinda funny,
actually.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Funny? Funny how?
                                                            
Sam takes a beat.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (pause, not sure
       just what she's
       feeling)
Well, nice funny.
      (pause)
Maybe not funny, but definitely
            (MORE)

64.

                       SAM (cont'd)
nice. Yes. Nice!
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (resigned)
Now I definitely think YOU'RE
kinda funny!
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (pause)
Isn't there a song about 'two
funny people together?'
                                                            
They look at each other. Share an intimate laugh.
                                                            
                       SAM
When do you think the police or
army or whoever is gonna show up?
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (becomes serious)
I dunno. But, you're right. Just
flag someone down. Tell 'em
people are hurt. Dead.
                                                            
Paul heads back inside. She follows him.
                                                            
 
INT. GAS STATION/LIQUOR STORE - NIGHT
                                                            
                       SAM
Where are you going?
                                                            
                       PAUL
Back down.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (in a high pitched
       voice)
What? Are you CRAZY? We
almost...died!!
      (she stalks behind
       him)
Why?!
                                                            
                       PAUL
Simple. My friend's down there.
                                                            
                       PAUL
I'd rather end up dead that sell
him out.
                                                            
Stricks is starting to come round.
                                                            

65.

                       STRICKS
      (groggily, to Sam)
Your boyfriend here is right,
sweet missy. He's right as dust!
I'm coming with you young man.
      (Stricks tries to
       stagger to his
       feet,
       unsuccessfully)
                                                            
                       PAUL
No, sir. We need you here. You
call the authorities and watch out
for this...sweet missy.
                                                            
Paul doesn't notice, but Stricks is in no position to look
out for anyone, he has passed out.
                                                            
Paul reaches the elevator, pushes the button. Waits.
                                                            
                       SAM
But, it's suicide!
                                                            
Paul stares at the elevator door, waiting for it to open.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (cont'd)
You're such a typical guy! Why
don't you use your brain for
once?!
                                                            
Paul turns to Sam.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (calmly)
Because we don't use our brains.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (exasperated)
Yes! Exactly my point!
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (solemnly)
We use this.
                                                            
Points to his heart.

Powerful.

Sam is speechless. Unable for once to say a word.

The elevator doors sweep open and Paul enters.
                                                            

66.

                       PAUL
      (very serious)
Flag someone down, Sam. Get help.
That's your job.
      (pause)
And I have faith in you.
                                                            
The elevator doors start to close.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (Sam's a boiling
       stew of emotions,
       she looks at once
       pissed, scared,
       and indecisive)
Wait!
                                                            
She hits the Open button, stops the elevator.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (cont'd)
I AM coming with you!
                                                            
                       PAUL
Nope!
                                                            
Paul hits the Close button. Doors start to close. Sam
PUNCHES the Open button.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (angry, in
       staccato)
And. Why. Not?
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (staccato)
Because. I. Said so. That's.
Why. Not!
                                                            
Sam starts pouting.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (resignedly)
Alright. You can come. You can
put your life in danger! You can
put our lives in danger! But quit
with the pout because it won't
work.
      (pause)
My ears are feminist/pout-proof.
                                                            

67.

                       SAM
      (calms)
What? I was not pouting. I never
pout.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (shaking head,
       quietly)
All. Right. Alright. Come.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (hits the Open
       button; furious)
You think just because you're a
man you can tell a woman what to
do? Based on some sexist ideology
that says women should be
indentured servants to every man
alive?
      (points index
       finger at Paul)
That mindset, my friend, has
diminished women from the very
beginning of recorded history. You
think --
                                                            
Sam gets in elevator with Paul. As door is closing we see
that he pulls her close and is kissing her - to get her to
stop talking, just a quick surprise smack to get her to shut
up.
                                                            
 
INT. AUDITORIUM - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
Joe in audience of world leaders. Standing out like a Jonas
Brothers' fan at a Mozart symphony. In his Hawaiian shirt,
jeans, the world leaders in tailored suits.

Next to Joe, an extremely frightened diplomat sweating
profusely. Rabid eyes, darting head movements. This is one
Frightened Diplomat.
                                                            
                       FRIGHTENED DIPLOMAT
      (whispers to Joe)
This is theater. Their words
don't match their deeds.
      (pause)
You know they're only here for one
thing? Utter consumption, utter
annihilation.
                                                            

68.

                       JOE
      (scratches his
       head)
That so?
                                                            
                       FRIGHTENED DIPLOMAT
      (nods, leans over
       to Joe, half
       whispering)
They lied about their intentions.
They're from Zeta.
                                                            
                       JOE
Zeta, that's that isolated country
by China, right?
                                                            
                       FRIGHTENED DIPLOMAT
      (blinks)
No. The Zeta Reticulum, binary
solar system, light years away.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (Joe stiffens)
Oh. Right. Okay.
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR - TIER TWO RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
Paul and Sam exiting the elevator. Back in Red Mountain
                                                            
                       SAM
      (looking at Paul)
So! The game plan is?
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (ironic)
Game plan? Gather intell.
                                                            
                       SAM
You sound like a CIA agent.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (raises eyebrow)
CIA? Didn't know you had that low
an opinion of me.
                                                            
 
INT. A/V ROOM TIER TWO - NIGHT
                                                            
Paul and Sam enter the A/V room. Paul taps a scanner. Then
picks up a digital camera.
                                                            

69.

                       PAUL
Aha. Abra - cadabra!
      (surveys equipment
       for a moment)
Digital camera: twelve-hundred
dollars. Scanner: Four-hundred.
Computer to send scanned pictures
of dead U.S. soldiers to the
National Security Council:
two-thousand.
      (Pause, small
       smile)
Saving the life of my buddy...
      (pause)
PRICELESS!
                                                            
Paul and Sam leave A/V Room, go into Corridor.
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR - RED MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
                                                            
Paul takes a picture of one of the dead soldiers with his
Blackberry.

Sam takes gun from one of them.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (watching Sam take
       gun)
What're you gonna do with that?
                                                            
                       SAM
Kill EBEs.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Oh. In that case, grab some
clips.
                                                            
Sam takes some ammunition from one of the dead soldiers.

Paul points his gun at the ceiling and fires off a round.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (off Sam's look)
Intelligence gathering.
                                                            
FOOTFALLS. They take cover against the wall. Paul peeks
around the corner. EBEs. A half-dozen of them. He takes
aim with the camera, zooms, clicks. Then he grabs Sam by
the arm.
                                                            
                       SAM
Now what're we doing?
                                                            

70.

                       PAUL
Now we're running.
                                                            
 
INT. GAS STATION/LIQUOR STORE - DAY
                                                            
Stricks is up, poking around the store. He looks around,
then five-fingers a candy bar and goes outside.
                                                            
 
EXT. GAS STATION/LIQUOR STORE - DAY
                                                            
The start of a gorgeous sunrise. He sits down on the step.
A car pulls up to a pump. A Guy starts filling his gas
tank. Stricks walks over to him.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Sonnie, you got one of them cell
phones...you call and tell 'em we
need the U.S. Marines out here,
pronto, and the gas is on Uncle
today!
                                                            
Guy looks at Stricks skeptically. Scratches chin and gets
back in his car and drives off into desert.
                                                            
 
INT. A/V ROOM - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul and Sam looking at a monitor. Digital photos of the
dead U.S. soldiers and the EBEs.
                                                            
                       SAM
Lemme write the message.
                                                            
                       PAUL
What're you gonna write?
                                                            
                       SAM
Do you have to know everything
before it happens?
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (pauses)
Yeah. I think I do.
                                                            
                       SAM
Tough cookies, Sherlock.
                                                            
Sam types a message on the keyboard. Paul leans over her to
see what she's written.
                                                            

71.

                       PAUL
      (reads)
"Dear National Security Council
Members: Since I know you have
none, a gift from me to you: Some
intelligence. Yours truly, Paul."
      (looks up dryly)
Thanks. Now they're gonna try to
whack me out.
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
The Flying Globe, humming and floating along. Suddenly, it
stops, then bursts off in another direction. Turns the
corner of the corridor, looks in several offices. Hum
becomes more prominent.
                                                            
 
INT. PENTAGON - N.S.C. CHAMBERS - DAY
                                                            
                       DCI
      (on phone)
I want these photos sent to every
friendly agency. And two more
things: Dispatch a Delta Force
unit.
                                                            
 
INT. MI-6 (BRITISH INTELLIGENCE) - DAY
                                                            
The photos displayed. The British officials stunned.
                                                            
 
INT. GRU (RUSSIAN INTELLIGENCE) - DAY
                                                            
Same scene as at MI-6, the head official talking on the
phone.
                                                            
 
INT. MSS (CHINESE INTELLIGENCE) - DAY
                                                            
Same scene as at MI-6 and GRU.
                                                            
 
INT. LOUNGE - TIER ONE RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
The Leader sitting in a chair. Guard approaches TIMIDLY.
                                                            

72.

                       GUARD
Master Krill, we have a problem.
Two humans are free on tier two.
May be in contact with the
outside.
                                                            
                       LEADER
Second tier? How far from us?
                                                            
                       GUARD
About a quarter mile.
                                                            
                       LEADER
Incinerate it!
                                                            
                       GUARD
The whole tier?
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (pause)
The whole tier.
      (smiling
       demonically)
Burn them in their so-called hell.
                                                            
 
INT. AUDITORIUM - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Joe and the Frightened Diplomat in the back of the
auditorium.
                                                            
                       FRIGHTENED DIPLOMAT
      (half whispering)
Contact was made in '08. A group
of them was discovered living in
the Chama Valley in Northern New
Mexico. They were responsible for
all the animal mutilations. You
probably read about it. That's
when it all began.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (nods)
Yeah, of course, that's when it
all began.
                                                            
                       FRIGHTENED DIPLOMAT
That's what --
      (eyes widen; under
       his breath)
There's that, that THING now.
                                                            

73.

The Leader walks onto the stage.

We see the Frightened Diplomat pull a small derringer out of
his sock.
                                                            
                       FRIGHTENED DIPLOMAT
      (under his breath)
They will not destroy us!
                                                            
The Frightened Diplomat LEAPS out of his seat. But,
instantly, we see the Leader TURN and spot the Frightened
Diplomat like a HAWK. The Leader's eyes glow red. Stretches
out his arm, points his fingers at the man.

At once the Frightened Diplomat is WRITHING VIOLENTLY like a
fish out of water. Drops his gun.

The auditorium turns and stares.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (concernedly)
Is there in the house a doctor?

Anyone a physician? We have a
state of illness among us.
                                                            
A man rises and runs over.

Before he arrives, Joe quickly scoops up the Frightened
Diplomat's gun. No one sees Joe tuck it in his waistband.
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR - TIER TWO - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul and Sam walking stealthily down a corridor, guns drawn.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Gotta visit the little boys' room.
                                                            
 
INT. RESTROOM - TIER TWO - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul SMASHES the mirror with his gun. Grabs a sliver of
mirror.
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR - TIER TWO - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
                       SAM
      (looks at mirror
       sliver in Paul's
       hand)
Prone to fits of vandalism?
                                                            

74.

                       PAUL
      (shakes his head)
Prone to fits of staying alive.
                                                            
Paul and Sam at four-way intersection. Paul uses mirror
sliver to see around corner.
                                                            
                       SAM
Hey! You're not as dumb as I
thought you were!
                                                            
                       PAUL
And you're not as annoying as I
thought you were.
                                                            
                       SAM
Control your tongue!
                                                            
                       PAUL
Or?
                                                            
                       SAM
      (points her gun at
       his head)
Else you go splat!
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (raises his gun)
Maybe YOU go splat first.
                                                            
They smile loaded smiles. Circle each other.
                                                            
Paul lowers his gun. Sam lowers her. They come together
and kiss.

Down the corridor we see the Flying Globe. It floats along
toward us. Stops inches behind Paul, starts buzzing.

Sam opens her eyes. Sees it. She BEATS on Paul's back.
                                                            
                       PAUL
What?!
                                                            
The Flying Globe JETS. Paul grabs his gun, aims, fires.

Hits the Flying Globe and it crashes to the floor.

They approach it.

Paul stomps on it. When he raises his foot, nothing but
gray ashes.
                                                            

75.

                       PAUL
This cannot get any weider.
                                                            
A beat.
                                                            
                       SAM
You already said that. And I
know, you HATE saying the same
thing twice.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (gives Sam a
       quizzical look)
Yeah, well, this time it CAN'T get
any weider!
                                                            
 
INT. AUDITORIUM - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
The Leader standing in the middle of the stage.
                                                            
                       LEADER
And so, my friends. I regret the
sudden illness of our friend. He
has left us, most suddenly and
most unfortunately.
      (pause)
But come. Now the vote! Let us
agree on this historic occasion
for our peoples to join together
our hands. I summon your votes!
                                                            
The heads of state who have become extremely frightened are
murmuring amongst themselves. President Kleinbank is sitting
in the front row surrounded by secret service men, who,
unfortunately don't make him feel especially safe right now.
                                                            
The voting starts.
                                                            
One by one the heads of state stand and give their vote.
                                                            
                       HOSTAGE #1
Representing the Republic of Costa
Rica: NAY!
                                                            
                       HOSTAGE #2
Representing his Highness' United
Arab Emirates: NAY!
                                                            
                       HOSTAGE #3
Representing the Nation of the
Phillippines: NAY.
                                                            

76.

                       PRESIDENT KLEINBANK
      (stands, facing
       Krill)
Krill, as President of the United
States of America, I think I can
spare the need for continuing the
vote, and speak for the entire
world, the united nations of the
world.

We are a free world simply because
we have stood up to people like
you, or perhaps, at this point, I
should say, things like you.

Each of us leads countries which
have gone through war and strife
      (pause)
and come out victorious, on the
side of freedom!
      (pause)
You have shown us that you may
have the power to destroy us,
individually, at least.
      (pause)
But understand this, Krill, in the
end we will triumph, and we will
destroy you, and your evil robots,
or whatever they are...
      (pause)
simply because the history of the
world has shown that good always
eventually triumphs over evil.
      (pause)
So, we are going to ALLOW you and
your things to leave our planet,
if you go now!
                                                            
The Leader is pacing the stage, frowning.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (eyes glowing red,
       enraged, roars)
You will ALLOW us to leave??
                                                            
Krill's eyes glow red, he reaches out his glowing right hand
toward President Kleinbank. Electricity fills the air, and
hits a secret service man who has thrown the President to
the ground.

The secret service man bursts into flames.
                                                            

77.

                       LEADER
      (laughs gleefully)
Oh, how free is your 'free world'
Leader Kleinbank, if you can't
protect yourself?
      (pause)
I will ALLOW you to live
      (pause)
for ten minutes...
      (pause)
or ten hours...
                                                            
                       LEADER
It will be at my will.
      (pause)
AT MY WILL!!
                                                            
 
INT. PENTAGON - N.S.C. CHAMBERS - DAY
                                                            
Fevered discussion among Council members.

Surveillance shows the voting.
                                                            
                       DCI
Members, vote's running now. It's
NO on all fronts.
                                                            
Then the N.S.C. members hear President Kleinbank's speech
and see one of his secret service men go down to protect
him.
                                                            
                       VICE PRESIDENT CABOT
My God! WHAT ARE WE DEALING WITH
HERE?

Director, what is the estimated
arrival time of the Delta Force?
                                                            
N.S.C. members, frightened, talking excitedly among
themselves.
                                                            
                       VICE PRESIDENT CABOT
Our Delta Force should arrive
within the hour to secure the base
and get President Kleinbank out of
there. When it does, hopefully we
can contain the situation!
      (then)
TSD has got the surveillance up.
Unfortunately, we've now got a
problem on tier two.
                                                            

78.

The DCI clicks on a remote. On the overhead appear
surveillance shots.

EBEs doing some kind of work. On closer look, it's apparent
they're incinerating the entire tier two.
                                                            
                       VICE PRESIDENT CABOT
      (cont'd)
It appears they're burning the
entire tier two!
                                                            
                       SECRETARY OF TREASURY
      (slaps desk)
Are you kidding me? We looted
three congressional budgets just
to fund that tier!
                                                            
                       DCI
      (To Admiral Hoyt)
Admiral Hoyt, if you wish, you can
go ahead and give word to Currie.
Personally, I wouldn't want to
know I was about to be fried. But
it's your call.
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul and Sam at an SIX WAY INTERSECTION.

No talking. Instead, hand signals.

Paul motions for Sam to stay put. He sneaks up on the
intersection.

Suddenly, a loud WHOOSH!

Between Paul and Sam, a door opens.

EBEs stream out.
                                                            
                       PAUL
SAM!
                                                            
But immediately Sam is caught.

And the EBEs charge Paul. He fires, hits one. Green slime.

Paul turns and RUNS.

He might be outnumbered, but he's definitely got the
HAUL-ASS ADVANTAGE.
                                                            
 

79.

INT. OFFICE -TIER TWO RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
An office filled with cubicles.

Paul takes up position at the far wall. Clear shot at the
door.

Takes out his Blackberry. Connects.
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Flying Globe. Detects Paul's signal, flies off to
investigate.
                                                            
 
INT. OFFICE - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul pulls up a message on his Blackberry.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (reads)
"paul, nsc thanks you for intell.
delta force flying in to attempt
to resolve situation. EBEs appear
to be incinerating tier two,
corridor by corridor. try
surrendering, but suspect they're
going to terminate you. see
whether elevator guarded, whether
you can eliminate guards, make it
to top or bottom. don't stay on
tier two. with hope, admiral
hoyt."
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (puts away
       Blackberry)
Incinerate? Holy shit!
                                                            
Outside, FOOTFALLS. Paul takes aim at the door. In walks
one EBE. Paul's about to fire. In walk two more. They
start checking the cubicles.

On hands and knees, Paul scurries down the aisle. Stops at
the wall. Takes a close LOOK.

The wall's nonbearing. And plasterboard.

Might work.

He dismantles a mouse, lobs its tracking ball. It lands
noisily near shelves of equipment.

80.


The EBEs hurry over. Paul yanks on a coaxial and TOPPLES
the shelves onto the EBEs.

Then he kicks a hole in the wall. kicks another one higher
up. Rips out the middle. Scrambles through this hole. He
kicks his way through the second sheet. Bursts through the
wall.
                                                            
 
INT. OFFICE - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Another office of cubicles. Paul looks back at the ravaged
wall.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (shakes his head)
Government quality. Gotta love
it.
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul pokes his head cautiously out of the office. Looks
both ways. Clear. He starts off.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (repeating Admiral
       Hoyt's advice)
See if elevator guarded. whether
you can eliminate guards.
      (pause)
Don't stay on tier two.
                                                            
 
INT. ELEVATOR - TIER TWO RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul finds a squadron of EBEs guarding the elevator.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Note to self: a backup plan would
be useful.
                                                            
 
INT. AUDITORIUM - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Sam is escorted into the auditorium. Up the stairs.
Distinguished-looking people in suits watching her. They're
still taking a vote.

A familiar face. Sam does a double take. Then waves to
President Kleinbank. He smiles faintly. She's escorted to
a seat in the back next to Joe.
                                                            

81.

                       JOE
      (softly)
You that girl from outside.
Pleasure to see you again.
                                                            
Sam doesn't look at him, totally ignores him.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (cont'd)
I don't think they're going to let
us vote. Elitists!
                                                            
Sam smiles wanly.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (cont'd)
That guy you were talking to.
Outside? Paul. He in here?
                                                            
                       SAM
      (softly, she
       doesn't look
       directly at him)
I was just with him.
      (Off Joe's look.)
We were in the gas station, and
next thing --
                                                            
                       JOE
Lemme guess. Big burly guys
barrel out of the back.
                                                            
Sam nods.
                                                            
                       SAM
We saw you but couldn't do a
thing...
                                                            
Joe takes a beat to digest. Then, he casts glance at Sam. A
lingering glance.

And smiles rakishly.
                                                            
Sam ignores him.
                                                            
 
INT. MACHINERY VAULT- TIER TWO - DAY
                                                            
Paul hurrying down the hemmed-in passageway.
                                                            
 

82.

INT. HUGE DARK CAVERN - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul walks into the huge dark cavern. Stands at the edge of
the pit. Looks at the dangling rope bridge.

Useless.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Mom always said to plan ahead.
      (pause)
And when the world hands you
lemons...
      (pause)
Time to make some lemonaid!
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul running down corridor back toward Strick's office.
                                                            
 
INT. AUDITORIUM - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
The last diplomat gives his vote. The Leader is up on
stage, glaring, eyes glowing red. In the front row, a
hostage stands up.
                                                            
                       HOSTAGE #4
      (with attitude, to
       Leader)
If you don't mind, this summit is
FINISHED and we are leaving!
                                                            
A beat.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (loudly)
Yes, I do mind. And no, this
summit is NOT finished and no one
is leaving!
                                                            
A beat.
                                                            
The Leader LEAPS off the stage.
                                                            
                       LEADER
And I wish to impress upon all of
you, my friends, just HOW MUCH
this summit is NOT FINISHED.
                                                            
He STRIDES slowly through the auditorium, humming. he
singles out a random hostage. Takes aim with his hand,
electrocutes him. Flash of fire, and a pile of ash.

83.


In the back, someone makes for the exit. A guard takes out
his weapon, shoots, emitting electricity which throws him
across the room, against the wall, dead. He burns, becomes a
pile of ash in seconds. The wall where he hit starts to
burn.

The Leader walks over to the hostage who spoke. Points his
hand at his head. Sparks.
                                                            
                       LEADER
Do I impress you, my friend?
                                                            
The hostage nods vehemently.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (cont'd)
Is everyone? Is everyone
impressed?
      (looks from one to
       the other)
Well, good. That is most
reassuringly good.
      (pause)
My friends, the bottom line is
that tonight the treaty you will
ALL SIGN. Conceding all your
assets. Your human assets.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (claps his hands
       and smiles
       gleefully)
Gentle people, we have agreement
reached.
      (gazes at the
       crowd
       thoughtfully)
The wheel of life forever turns,
my friends. Between your alpha
and your omega it turns without
your knowing. Nevertheless, it
turns.
      (pause)
Ten minutes you have to decide Yea
or Nay. Yea or Nay. Decide Nay,
and I shall send the wheel of life
spinning down upon you.
                                                            
 

84.

INT. STRICK'S OFFICE - TIER TWO - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul in Stricks' office. Grabs a little Mag-light off
Stricks' desk, sticks it in a cargo pocket.

Throws wooden crates around.

He finds one labeled "101st AIRBORNE DIVISION." Opens it.
Inside, M-16s, cartridge belts, C4. Not what he's looking
for. He cracks open another crate. More weapons.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (mumbles to
       himself)
"Always be prepared, Paulie!"
momma said.

But momma never said "there'd be
days like this!"
                                                            
                       PAUL
Shit!
      (opens another.
       Inside this one,
       parachutes)
Thank you, God!
      (Pulls out his
       Blackberry. Read
       as he types:)
"Admiral Hoyt, thanks for the
info. Elevators guarded. We're at
last ditch last resort status. You
wouldn't know how long it would
take somebody to free fall 'bout a
mile, would you?"
                                                            
 
INT. PENTAGON - N.C.S. CHAMBERS - DAY
                                                            
Council members looking a bit stunned.
                                                            
                       SECRETARY OF STATE
There's no way.
                                                            
                       DIRECTOR HOMELAND SECURITY
There IS a mountain of gear down
there. I've seen it myself.
                                                            
Admiral Hoyt scribbling on a piece of paper.
                                                            

85.

                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (looks up)
Twenty-eight seconds. Drop time
of twenty-eight seconds.
                                                            
He reaches for his laptop.
                                                            
                       GENERAL MAAS
      (clears his throat)
Admiral, if you'd just sit tight
for a moment.
      (pause)
Gentlemen, I'm not going to make
myself popular with this, and I
know that. But I'm not interested
in being popular. I'm interested
in defending the national security
of the United States.
      (Pause.)
                                                            
                       GENERAL MAAS
      (pause)
I believe Mr. Currie's usefulness
has expired. Not only is he no
longer an asset, he's a liability.
A liability that, unfortunately,
must be eliminated. The best
warriors in the world will arrive
in a half hour. All this BEER MAN
will do is mess it to hell!
      (pause)
I motion we tell Mr. Currie his
drop time will be forty seconds.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (loudly)
You've GOT to be fuckin' kidding!
                                                            
                       GENERAL MAAS
      (to Admiral Hoyt)
Do I LOOK it? Gentlemen, this is
Strategic Warfare 101. You never,
never spare a life today to lose a
thousand tomorrow.
      (pause)
Look. I'm the first to admit this
is a nasty thing. But war is a
nasty thing. Those who don't like
it can be interior decorators.
                                                            
                       DCI
      (decorous pause)
Reluctantly, gentlemen, I agree
with Joe. Mr. Currie IS no longer
            (MORE)

86.

                       DCI (cont'd)
an asset. He's a liability. And
it behooves us to eliminate him as
such. I approve the motion.
                                                            
                       VICE PRESIDENT CABOT
      (quietly nods his
       approval)
Unfortunately, we have no choice
as I see it.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (quietly to
       General Maas)
You S.O.B.
                                                            
                       GENERAL MAAS
National Security Members,
      (pause, turns to
       Admiral Hoyt)
Admiral Hoyt.
      (pauses, then
       smirks)
I don't know much, Admiral, but I
do know one thing. In ten minutes
your boy's gonna be looking like a
silly-putty experiment gone
horribly wrong.
                                                            
Admiral Hoyt storms out of the Chambers.
                                                            
 
INT. STRICK'S OFFICE - TIER TWO - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul reading his Blackberry.
                                                            
                       PAUL
"Paul, you've got a drop time of
forty seconds. Good luck to you,
my boy!"
                                                            
He jumps to, straps on a parachute. Slings on M-16 over his
shoulder and two cartridge belts. Grabs a helping of C4 as
well.
                                                            
 
INT. HUGE DARK CAVERN - TIER TWO - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul passes into the cavern. Stops just outside and looks
with a heavy eye at the black pit.
                                                            
 

87.

INT. PENTAGON - ADMIRAL HOYT'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
Admiral Hoyt at his computer, frenetic. He types: "PAUL, NO
TIME TO EXPLAIN. DROP TIME 28 SECONDS, NOT 40. REPEAT, 28 -
NOT 40 SECONDS."
                                                            
 
INT. HUGE DARK CAVERN - TIER TWO - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul stands at the edge of the huge dark cavern. he pats
himself down, getting set for the jump.

His Blackberry is jutting out of his pocket. He tries to
readjust it but drops it on the rock floor.

He bends. Picks it up. Gives it a thoughtful
consideration: it's pretty much saved his life thus far.

Then he stuffs it into his pocket.

Takes a GOOD LONG BREATH.

And JUMPS.

RUSHING DARKNESS. WHISTLING WIND.

This is HORRIFYING. Like parachuting into HELL.
                                                            
 
INT. PENTAGON - ADMIRAL HOYT'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (slams his hand
       dejectedly down
       on his desk)
Ah, shit! He's dead.
      (runs his hand
       through his hair,
       stares at the
       computer screen)
                                                            
 
INT. HUGE DARK CAVERN - TIER THREE - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul in the shadows. His parachute DEPLOYED.

He sticks a very bumpy landing on rocky ground. Tier three.
Almost two miles underground.
                                                            
 

88.

INT. ADMIRAL HOYT'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
Admiral Hoyt standing at his office wall looking at his VIP
grip-and-grin photos.
                                                            
His computer clicks.

YOU HAVE MAIL.
                                                            
He rushes to the computer. We SEE the message: "ADMIRAL
HOYT, THANKS FOR THE INFO. I'M FINE. ABLE TO PULL CHUTE
EARLIER THAN CALCULATED. JUST IN CASE."
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (smiles
       jubilantly,
       writes)
"JUST IN CASE WHAT?"
                                                            
 
INT. HUGE DARK CAVERN - TIER THREE - DAY
                                                            
Paul texting on his Blackberry.
                                                            
 
INT. PENTAGON - ADMIRAL HOYT'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
Paul's message arrives on his computer: "JUST IN CASE YOU
SUCKED AT MATH."
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (chuckling)
Gotta meet that boy!
                                                            
 
INT. LOUNGE - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
The Leader in a large brown leather chair.

A Guard approaches. Diffident.
                                                            
                       GUARD
Master Krill, we apprehended one
of the two people on the second
tier. She's in custody. Also, we
incinerated the second tier.
Certain that tier was eliminated.
      (pause, clears
       throat)
Unfortunately, we traced the
earthling's communication devise
to the edge of a shaft that drops
to tier three. It's possible he
may have escaped.
            (MORE)

89.

                       GUARD (cont'd)
      (pause)
...down the shaft.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (stands up
       suddenly, enraged)
Down the shaft!

DO THESE HUMANS FLY??
                                                            
The Guard stands timidly, looking frightened of the Leader.

The Leader summons another Guard.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (roars to Guard #1)
I commanded you to destroy this
human! You dared to not follow my
order! I WILL NOT BE DISOBEYED!
      (leader raises
       glowing, hissing
       hand to guard #1.
        Green fluid runs
       down his face as
       he crumbles,
       Leader nods to
       Guard #2)
YOU WILL NOT FAIL ME!
                                                            
Guard #2 nods.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (cont'd)
This human you WILL find. And
kill! Do what you will with his
body. FOR MY DINNER I WANT HIS
NOSE!
                                                            
 
INT. HUGE DARK CAVERN - TIER THREE - DAY
                                                            
Paul at the bottom of the pit. Pitch-black darkness. He's
finding his way with his tiny flashlight. Kicks something.
Shines his light on it, and picks it up.

A shoe.
                                                            
                       PAUL
That's just not right. Something
weird in here.
      (shakes his head
       laughing at
       himself)
            (MORE)

90.

                       PAUL (cont'd)
SOMETHING??
                                                            
He stumbles on, searching along the wall for an exit.

Finds one. An enormous steel door, ten feet tall.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Tell me you're not locked!
                                                            
Paul grabs the door handle and tugs. And tugs again. An
ominous groan. he looks up.

The door is FALLING. Fast!

Paul RUNS. The door CRASHES THUNDEROUSLY to the ground
missing him by a whisker. An explosion of dust. Behind it,
an elevator. An old freight elevator?
                                                            
 
EXT. GAS STATION/LIQUOR STORE - DAY
                                                            
Stricks sitting in old discarded stuffed armchair,
recovering from his trauma, behind the gas station, big
stick in his hand he happened to pick up at the door.

In the distant desert, a dust cloud billows up from the
ground. Near a mesa.

Stricks stares for a moment, digesting.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
      (scratches his
       head, grabs the
       stick)
Holy China! What the....
                                                            
Stricks walks off toward the dust cloud.
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul walking in a passageway bore through rock, lit by naked
bulbs. He looks like a Rambo rerun. Normal street clothes,
but caked in dirt and armed to the teeth with his M-16 and
cartridge belts.

Comes to a door. Opens it. Another long, white,
brightly-lit corridor.

He appears around the corner using his sliver of mirror.
Down the corridor is a Flying Globe, humming, but not
moving.

91.


Keeping an eye on the Flying Globe, he pulls out his
Blackberry. He clicks to connect.

Suddenly the Flying Globe lurches, and starts down the
corridor toward him.

He DISCONNECTS.

The Flying Globe stops.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Holy shit!
                                                            
 
INT. PENTAGON - N.S.C. CHAMBERS - DAY
                                                            
Admiral Hoyt, ramrod straight, walks into N.S.C. Chambers.

The room falls SILENT. On the overhead, Hoyt's e-mail
exchange with Paul.
                                                            
                       GENERAL MAAS
      (stands up, glares
       at Admiral Hoyt
       and booms)
You son of a bitch!
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (Admiral Hoyt
       glares at General
       Maas)
YOU'RE going to point a finger at
ME because I wouldn't in good
conscience let you kill an
innocent man?
                                                            
                       GENERAL MAAS
      (standing, looking
       at Admiral Hoyt)
CONSCIENCE! You kidding me? A
conscience is a loser's way of
feeling good about himself!
Conscience has absolutely no place
in hell in the U.S. military!
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (face reddening)
It has a place in ME!
                                                            
The Council members and Dr. Francis are all startled by the
sudden fury.
                                                            

92.

                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (cont'd)
And as long as it does, I'll be
damned if I'll be a part to
cold-blooded murder!
                                                            
                       GENERAL MAAS
Oh, but you WILL! Don't you see
that, you thick-headed son of a
bitch! Your boy is gonna screw
everything to hell and people will
DIE because of him. Don't you see
that you thick-headed S.O.B.?
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
You want to place a wager on that?
                                                            
                       GENERAL MAAS
LOVE to! What do you want to
wager? I'll put anything on the
table.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
YOUR JOB!
                                                            
                       GENERAL MAAS
MY WHAT?
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
Your job. Your position on this
council. I'll match it.
                                                            
                       GENERAL MAAS
      (General Mass
       looks clearly
       surprised by this
       proposal,takes a
       beat to digest,
       then)
Fine. You're going to be filling
out an application at Starkbucks
on Monday.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
Doubt it. I hate Starbucks.
                                                            
 
EXT. DESERT - DAY
                                                            
Stricks walking through the desert. We watch his back until
he's halfway to the mesa.
                                                            
 

93.

INT. CORRIDOR - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul moving down a corridor. At an intersection, he peers
around the corner. EBEs.

Back the other way. Another intersection. More EBEs.

He's trapped!

He takes a beat to digest, then tries a door along the
corridor. A small closet.

Tries another. A storeroom.

He enters.
                                                            
 
INT. AUDITORIUM - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
The Leader struts on stage.
                                                            
                       LEADER
That's ten minutes, friends. So,
shall we take the vote?
                                                            
Utter silence. No one says a word.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (cont'd)
Well, that's most disappointing.
But not surprising.
      (wrings his hands
       with schoolboy
       enthusiasm)
I'll persuade you yet!
      (leaps off the
       stage, walks up
       an aisle sings
       campy)
The wheel of life, she spiins.
..down. On. YOU!
                                                            
Stops at crying woman from India. Extends hissing hand,
electrocutes her. She bursts into flame, then becomes a pile
of ash. Moves up the other side of the aisle. Stops at a
hansome, well-groomed man.
                                                            
                       LEADER
My but you look smug! I hate smug
humans.
      (pause)
You humans have nothing, NOTHING
to be smug about! You are
            (MORE)

94.

                       LEADER (cont'd)
pathetic, primitive!
                                                            
Extends hand, electrocutes him. Another pile of ash.
                                                            
 
INT. STOREROOM - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul rummaging in the storeroom. Rows of metal cages.
Machine parts from things unknown lying around.

Pretty dilapidated place.

Working fast, he gets out the C4 kit, wires and receivers
and a hunk of green putty. A stick the size of a large
blackcat that says: "DETONATOR." Paul pushes it into the
putty. Looks at it with his head cocked to one side, with a
dumb expression.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Shoulda watched more MacGyver
reruns.
                                                            
Walks to the door. Cracks it an inch. No one around. He
clicks on his Blackberry. Waits.

After a beat, a Flying Globe appears and hovers outside the
door. Then comes another Flying Globe.

Two EBEs show. They're on their radios. Two more show. In
no time, a convention.

He closes the door. Goes to the metal cage and buries his
Blackberry at the bottom. Puts debris over it.

Retreats to the far end of the room.

A volley of shooshing strange gunfire. The sound of the
door kicked in. EBEs pour in. The two Flying Globes float
over to the metal cage, hissing, and the EBEs gather around.

Paul smiles. He PUSHES the button.

NOTHING.

Paul's face falls.

Then an UNGODLY ROAR. He's THROWN. Flying through the air.
lands hard.

An eerie silence. The only sound is fragments of who knows
what falling from the ceiling.


95.

He walks over to ground zero. Grisly scene. Biological
carnage, everywhere green viscous matter and ash.

He finds a piece of his Blackberry. A sticky green matter
on it.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Assholes. I saved six weeks to
buy this thing!
                                                            
 
INT. AUDITORIUM - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
The Leader patrolling the aisles, toxic hand at the ready,
glowing and emitting electricity as he walks along,
terrorizing the hostages. Raises hand periodically, setting
small fires on walls.
                                                            
                       LEADER
Friends, you will find me, if
anything, extremely persistent. I
will butt my head against the
wall, until one of them breaks.
And I guarantee, it is always the
wall! It is NEVER ME! I DO NOT
BREAK.
      (pause, then roars)
EVER!
                                                            
A Guard approaches the Leader.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (watches his
       approach)
Ah, my very humble servant.

You have. . .his NOSE? I HUNGER!
                                                            
                       GUARD
      (almost trembling)
Master Krill, I am working on it.
But -- we do have some information
that may interest you.
                                                            
The Guard holds a small monitor. On the monitor runs a
surveillance video of Paul and Sam walking into the gas
station. The way Paul is coming on to Sam makes them look
intimate.

The Guard points into the seats. We see Sam.

The Leader smiles.
                                                            

96.

                       LEADER
Most interesting. Most
tremendously interesting.
      (pause, then roars)
BRING HER TO ME!
                                                            
The Guard drags Sam from her seat to the Leader.
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul sneaking down a corridor. Abruptly the monitors in the
corridor BUZZ to life.

The monitor shows the Leader putting his SIZZLING
ELECTRIFIED HAND to Sam's neck.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (laughs
       diabolically)
Friend. Come down and visit with
us. Or your lady friend turns to
dust!
      (grins at the
       monitor)
To dust! Through mind-bending
hurt!
      (grins)
                                                            
 
EXT. DESERT - DAY
                                                            
Stricks at the mesa near the gas station. He KICKS the sand
around where the dust was whirling and uncovers metal
grating in the ground.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Hells bells! Holy tea in China!
                                                            
He follows along the grating to the mesa. Pokes at the mesa
with his stick. Kicks at it. Whacks at it. Again. A piece
of the mesa falls away as though it were glued on. Reveals
a steel wall.

He pushes and pulls and pokes the steel wall. Works at it
with his stick. Suddenly, a HISS! The entire wall swings
inward.

Stricks almost falls in with the wall. Stops himself using
his stick.
                                                            

97.

                       STRICKS
Hells. . .
      (pause)
Oh, hell, Mattie! Why did I work
overtime?
                                                            
 
INT. REMOTE ENTRANCE - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
An all-metal room. A sign on the wall that reads: "U.S.
OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE. RED MOUNTAIN. AUTHORIZED
ENTRANCE ONLY."

An elevator. Stricks hits the button and instantly the
doors open.
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Stricks finds himself in a corridor at Red Mountain.
                                                            
 
INT. REMOTE ENTRANCE - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul outside a set of doors. He peeks in the window.

The auditorium.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (to himself)
I'm gonna keep my cool. I'm gonna
keep my head on straight. I'm
gonna. . .
      (turns abruptly)
Ah, screw positive thinking. I'm
gonna terminate these things!
                                                            
Paul pushes door open.
                                                            
 
INT. AUDITORIUM - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul thrusts open the door and walks in.

The Leader sitting on stage in a chair. Sam on his lap,
looking terrified, with Leader's sizzling hand at her neck.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (turns to Paul)
S'smashing you could make it.
                                                            
Paul begins descending the stairs.


98.

Suddenly, someone LEAPS out of the audience and grabs him.
Pulls gun he had picked up earlier out of his waistband and
holds it to Paul's head.

It's Joe.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (to Leader)
Let her go, or I'll...
      (pause)
I'll kill HIM!
                                                            
The Leader's eyes grow HUGE and RED with RAGE. Sam slips out
of his grasp.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (turns to Joe,
       roars)
You kill him, and I'll have your
nose for dinner! WE will destroy
him! Not YOU!
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (whispers to Joe)
What the hell you doing?
                                                            
                       JOE
      (whispers to Paul)
Tryin' to save our asses.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Umm, you got a gun to my head.
                                                            
Joe and Paul do a two-step down the stairs. And reach the
stage.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (to Joe)
Go sit down, and maybe I won't
convert you from something to
nothing, eh, friend?
                                                            
                       VOICE
Maybe it's time YOU sat down!
                                                            
Everyone turns.

STRICKS standing at the top of the stairs.

A dumbstruck silence hangs over the auditorium.

Then the Leader RAISES his SIZZLING HAND, ELECTRICITY FLIES
through the room at Stricks, and Stricks dives for cover. It

99.

hits the wall, and the wall bursts into flame.

And all HELL breaks loose. People jumping out of their
seats, crawling over each other for the exit. A hysterical
mob scene.

Guards firing wildy. Joe is scorched above the hip, goes
down.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (amplified by the
       P.A. system the
       Leader's voice
       booms)
STOP!
                                                            
The room comes to a halt as though someone hit a Twilight
Zone off switch. People FROZEN everywhere.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (cont'd)
BACK TO YOUR SEATS!
                                                            
Like sheep they comply.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (cont'd)
And you, my courageous, knightly,
incredibly stupid friend, you come
with me.
                                                            
Paul looks over at Joe. The Leader shoves Paul forward.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (looks at Joe)
That's a paper cut compared to
your just deserts.
                                                            
The Leader drags Paul center stage, makes him kneel. The
Leader's EYES GLOW RED and HIS HAND GLOWS EMITTING
ELECTRICITY. We hear the hissing. The electricity streaks
to and fro across the entire room.

Another Guard places a woven basket in front of Paul.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (smiles)
To catch your head.
                                                            
                       SAM
You son of a bitch!
                                                            

100.

Sam charges the Leader. He knocks her to the ground with a
backhand.

Paul rises, but a Guard nails him with the butt of his
weapon.

The Leader stands over Paul. Brings his sizzling hand above
his head.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Don't I get to speak?
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (amused)
You wish to speak?
                                                            
                       PAUL
Yes. Yes, I do.
                                                            
The Leader lets down his hand.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (laughing)
Then speak, earthling!
                                                            
                       PAUL
First, you're an ASSHOLE!
      (pause)
Second, on behalf of beer drinkers
everywhere...
      (pause)
KILL SOME HOPS AND BARLEY!
                                                            
Paul LEAPS to his feet and SMASHES the BOTTLE of beer he
pilfered over the Leader's HEAD.

The Leader stumbles backward, stunned and injured. His head
wound oozing green matter down over his face. He collapses.

Hell breaks loose. Again. This time no stopping it. People
climbing over each other to get out of the burning place.
Secret service agents grab President Kleinbank and rush him
out of the auditorium to a nearby office where they lock him
in for safety.

The Guards, as predicted by the Frightened Diplomat, are
hurt as well. They lurch to an fro, then drop like flies.
They also emit green slimy fluid.
                                                            
 

101.

INT. MI-6 (BRITISH INTELLIGENCE) - DAY
                                                            
Watching on monitors, the MI-6 officials celebrate as the
hostages spill out of the auditorium.
                                                            
 
INT. GRU (RUSSIAN INTELLIGENCE) - DAY
                                                            
Same scene. Laughing, hugging, kissing each other.
                                                            
 
INT. MSS (CHINESE INTELLIGENCE) - DAY
                                                            
Just as jubilant.
                                                            
 
INT. PENTAGON - N.C.S. CHAMBERS - DAY
                                                            
The Council members and Dr. Francis all standing, watching
the monitor, celebrating. They are aware the President has
been whisked away to safety.

General Maas, however, sits smoldering in his chair.
                                                            
                       DCI
      (to General Maas)
It appears you'll be tendering
your resignation, General.
                                                            
General Maas gathers his things together furiously.
                                                            
                       GENERAL MAAS
      (to Admiral Hoyt)
You have nothing on me, Admiral!
Nothing!
                                                            
                       N.C.S. #3
      (chuckling to
       himself)
Except your job!
                                                            
The Council members howl. General Maas stalks toward the
exit, red-faced.
                                                            
The Council members ROAR.
                                                            
General Maas looks ready to spontaneously combust. He
storms out without a word.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
Well, gentlemen, evening to you.
I'm off to debrief our friends in
California.
                                                            
 

102.

INT. AUDITORIUM - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul, Sam and Stricks at Joe's side.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Talk to me, guy!
                                                            
                       JOE
      (mustering a weak
       smile)
A bit scorched. Missed the
utilities, though.
      (Joe lifts shirt
       to show wound)
                                                            
                       SAM
Does it hurt terribly?
                                                            
                       JOE
Feels like I got a garbage
disposal running in my stomach.

But, apart from that, nah, it
doesn't hurt.
                                                            
They all laugh.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (cont'd)
So much for E.T., huh?
                                                            
                       SAM
E.T. is dead.
                                                            
                       PAUL
No joke! The only reason these
guys call home is to report the
body count.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
      (looking at where
       the Leader had
       fallen)
Holy China! That thing has
disappeared. It upped and
disappeared!
                                                            
They all look. The Leader, gone. Nothing but a pool of
viscous green matter leading out of the auditorium.
                                                            

103.

                       PAUL
      (picks up his M-16)
Don't finalize that body count
yet!
                                                            
                       JOE
      (weak, but tries
       for enthusiasm)
That's straight talk. Kill him
once for you.
      (pause)
And once for me!
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Once for me, too, young man!
                                                            
Paul nods firmly. Absolutely, he will. Starts off.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (walking, half
       running, toward
       Paul)
WAIT!
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (resigned, shakes
       head)
Women! I'm not even going to
argue this time!
                                                            
 
INT. BOLLING AIR FORCE BASE - WASHINGTON, D.C. - DAY
                                                            
Admiral Hoyt walking briskly with a pilot toward a shadowy
outline of a plane.
                                                            
                       PILOT
      (turns to Admiral
       Hoyt while
       walking fast)
First ride in the Aurora, sir?
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
Yup. Coast to coast, how fast are
we talking, Captain?
                                                            
                       PILOT
      (chuckles)
Faster than a new waiter can get
you your food at Big Boy!
                                                            
Admiral Hoyt lets out a breath of air, throws the Captain an
admiring glance.
                                                            

104.

                       PILOT
'Bout forty minutes, sir.
                                                            
 
INT. CORRIDOR - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Paul and Sam stalking down a corridor. A PANICKY WORLD
LEADER, out of breath, on verge of collapse, races around a
corner.
                                                            
                       PANICKY WORLD LEADER
Please!
      (pause to catch
       breath somewhat)
Where's the damn exit?
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (doesn't break
       stride, points
       down the corridor)
Be cool, bud.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (chuckles, shakes
       her head)
These politician people. They're
helpless without their nannies!
                                                            
Paul and Sam come to a 'T' in the corridor. A sign points
to the right and reads: "PORT."

They hurry down corridor, trying doors. The last door on
the right opens. They enter.
                                                            
A hangar the size of Rhode Island. Several rows of FLYING
SAUCERS. This place is so huge you can't see the ceiling or
the far wall.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (eyes wide)
Don't remember reading about this
in the New York Times!
                                                            
The Leader is 100 ft. away hurrying toward a large green
flying saucer.

Paul takes aim, FIRES.

The Leader turns, astonished. Then he DASHES behind an
aisle of boxes.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Holy shit! This THING is fast!
                                                            

105.

He has left a trail of green slime. Paul follows around the
corner. Sam follows Paul. They see the Leader.

His head wound is oozing green matter down over his face.
                                                            
Paul fires, but the Leader eludes him again.

The green trail leads closer to the bank of flying saucers.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (his voice
       sounding weaker,
       but less human,
       more mechanical)
Oh, but you are a fool!
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (then, mocking)
How many of your leaders join you?
They protect themselves!
      (pause)
But not you!

YOUR MORALITY WILL BE YOUR DOOM!
                                                            
Leader moves so fast he seems to almost vanish only to
reappear to Paul's left, intent on getting to his flying
saucer.
                                                            
                       PAUL
SOMETHING WRONG WITH MORALITY?
                                                            
Paul SWEEPS the room with automatic fire.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (wanting to save
       his own life, but
       growing weaker)
Die you must. And leave I must.
                                                            
                       PAUL
One of us must go. One of us is
dying, here and now.
                                                            
The Leader, who is physically changing into something even
more repulsive, larger, uglier, looks from Paul to Sam.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (his voice
       changing to even
       less human)
In that case, it'll be two!
      (pause)
Simple beings..You humans must and
            (MORE)

106.

                       LEADER (cont'd)
will be destroyed. We need, and
will take, your planet earth.
      (pauses, lowers
       voice, sounds
       weakened)      (pause)
I will leave...for now.

WE will be back!
                                                            
Paul takes Sam and they backpedal to the wall. Take up a
defensive stance.
                                                            
                       SAM
You're not scared?
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (trying to speak
       firmly, with
       difficulty)
Nope.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (whispers)
A little bit?
                                                            
                       PAUL
Well, maybe a little bit.
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (in a rageful
       voice that fills
       the entire
       building)
WE WILL DESTROY YOU!
                                                            
                       PAUL
Well, maybe more than a little.
                                                            
Sam SHRIEKS and the Leader closes in on his saucer.

Paul rushes to grab him, slips on the green slime coming
from the Leader's head wound.
                                                            
The Leader grabs Paul. Puts a SIZZLING HAND to his neck.

Sam shrieks. The Leader eyes Sam.
                                                            
Paul and Sam standing twelve inches apart.

The Leader puts his SIZZLING right hand in Paul's right
hand.
                                                            

107.

                       LEADER
Open her neck. Use me to open her
neck! You are no better than me.
Kill her and I will let you go!
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (to Leader)
Kill yourself.
      (pause)
SAM! RUN!
                                                            
                       LEADER
If you wish so, certainly, Sam, do
run.
      (to Paul)
Cut her throat and remove her
head. Or I'll cut you.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Kill yourself.
                                                            
Deftly, the Leader cuts Paul's hand. It sizzles. He
returns his hand to Paul's neck. The cut begins bleeding.

Sam SHRIEKS.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (to Sam, loudly)
Will you RUN!
                                                            
She does not.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (to Sam)
Will you listen to me! There is
NOTHING keeping you from running!
                                                            
The Leader draws his hand over Paul's hand again, making an
X.
                                                            
                       PAUL
WILL YOU FOR PETE'S SAKE RUN!
                                                            
Sam turns from Paul and looks at the exit.
                                                            
                       SAM
I can't!
                                                            
                       PAUL
That's why men rule the world! Cuz
women have no balls. What. So.
Ever.
                                                            

108.

Sam's jaw drops, her eyes narrow. She glares at Paul.
Pissed. As. Hell.

And BOLTS
                                                            
                       LEADER
      (looks at Sam,
       laughs)
                                                            
Paul sees his chance and reacts. He delivers a FIERCE ELBOW
to the Leader's ribs. Then he TWISTS around, RAISES his
M-16, and UNLOADS. The Leader staggers backwards, absorbing
every bullet.
And FALLS DEAD.

Sam walks over. They stare at the Leader, slain. He is
turning into green matter and ash.
                                                            
                       PAUL
I hope he said his prayers last
night.
                                                            
                       SAM
You're twisted!
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (feeling good)
Ah, maybe a little.
                                                            
A silent beat.

Sam SLAPS Paul's face.

Hard.
                                                            
                       SAM
No balls whatsoever, huh?
                                                            
Paul backpedals.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (smiles)
Didn't mean it.
                                                            
                       SAM
Too LATE for apologies.
                                                            
Sam advances. Paul backpedals.
                                                            
Paul backs into a flying saucer.
                                                            

109.

                       SAM
      (cont'd)
Too LATE for excuses.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (cont'd)
So, don't even try talking your
way out of it.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (smiles)
Alright. I won't.
                                                            
Paul kisses her.

She pulls away.
                                                            
                       SAM
Now you think you're going to kiss
your way out of it?
                                                            
                       PAUL
Yup.
                                                            
He moves to kiss her again, but she brushes him off.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (maternally)
You're bleeding!
                                                            
Paul looks down. He is in fact bleeding. He pulls out a
handkerchief. Dabs at his hand.
                                                            
                       SAM
Gimme that!
                                                            
She ties it around his hand.

Very tight.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Hey!
                                                            
                       SAM
Do you WANT to bleed, or do you
want NOT to bleed?
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (in a monotone)
I VANT NOT TO BLEED.
                                                            
Paul and Sam look at each. Laugh, for about one second.
Then they're against the flying saucer, kissing.

110.


They lean against the flying saucer and the DOOR OPENS.

Paul lifts Sam in and climbs in after her.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (vampish)
I should let you know. I'm a
VEIRD places freak!
                                                            
                       PAUL
And this, my dear lady, is the
VEIRDEST place on earth. We'll
enter it in the Guinness Book of
Veird Places!
                                                            
 
INT. GAS STATION/LIQUOR STORE - A BIT LATER - DAY
                                                            
Paul and Sam exit the gas station holding hands.

It's a mob scene.

Police tape cordoning off the gas station. Delta Force Unit
standing guard. News trucks lining the shoulder of the
highway. Frustrated reporters barking questions at soldiers.

In front of the building, a military staging area.

The gate to the junkyard is open. the world leaders'
limousines pouring out. Inside more parked limousines.

In the far-off desert, klieg lights blazing.

We see Joe on a stretcher, getting wheeled toward an
ambulance by a blonde female EMT.

Paul and Sam approach Joe.
                                                            
                       JOE
Romeo! How ya doin', Romeo?
      (pause)
Paul, Sam, meet Tams. Tams, meet
Paul, Sam.
                                                            
The blonde EMT nods.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (to Joe)
How're YOU doing?
                                                            

111.

                       JOE
I'm fine. Best lady doc in the
world cleaned me up. Now they
wanna study my 'strange burns.'
      (then)
Are ya going to introduce me to
this beautiful lady? Kinda met
her down below, but no time for
formal introductions.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Joe, meet Sam June. Sam, meet my
buddy, Joe Giacomini.
                                                            
Joe offers his hand. Samantha takes it. They exchange
smiles.
                                                            
                       JOE
Tams, I need a minute, please.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (to Paul)
Some slick work down there, Jesse
James!
                                                            
                       PAUL
Huh?
                                                            
                       JOE
Surveillance camera. Hundreds of
people, watching, cheering for
you, Paulie!
      (impersonating
       Paul)
"SOMETHING WRONG WITH MORALITY?"
      (slaps thigh)
                                                            
                       JOE
      (winces in pain a
       bit, then)
Ooh, that was classic! People
rollin' in the aisles, Paulie! You
shoulda seen it!
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (sincerely
       surprised)
Watching US? The President too?
                                                            
                       JOE
HE WAS HERE? President Kleinbank
was here? Damn! First President I
voted for! I always miss these
things.
            (MORE)

112.

                       JOE (cont'd)
      (pause, then smile)
But I did see Georgie Bush in high
school! Remember the day I
skipped school? Went to hear
George talk at the Staple Center?
                                                            
                       PAUL
You skipped almost every day!
                                                            
                       JOE
And your point is?
                                                            
A beat.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Hey! What's the story anyway?
What's with all the cameras?
                                                            
                       JOE
International news, bud.
Classified weather balloon
crashed. You guys should know!
You saw it happen.
                                                            
Paul and Sam look lost, blank.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (cont'd)
Some brass in there looking for
you.
                                                            
Joe holds up a plastic ATM card
                                                            
                       JOE
      (cont'd)
Present with your name on it. For
both a you.
                                                            
Paul and Sam start to question Joe about the ATM card.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (playful)
No, no! It's a surprise.
                                                            
Tams comes back.
                                                            
                       JOE
Hey, Tams, THAT was a New York
minute - not a California one!
                                                            
Tams smiles, says nothing. Starts wheeling Joe away toward
a helicopter.

113.


Joe looks at Paul and Sam, smiles and shrugs.
                                                            
                       JOE
      (cont'd. to Paul
       and Sam over his
       shoulder)
Now that I'm royalty, they're
flying me to the best hospital in
L.A., all bills paid. I'll catch
you back home, bud!
                                                            
                       JOE
      (winks at Sam)
And Sam, I still got the house key
you gave me in the auditorium. And
I'm gonna try to make it by some
night this week. But no
guarantees, 'cause I'm always in
demand.
                                                            
Sam rolls her eyes, and two attendants lift Joe into the
helicopter.
                                                            
                       SAM
You've known him for twenty years
and you haven't shot him yet?
                                                            
                       PAUL
I was going to.
                                                            
                       SAM
But?
                                                            
                       PAUL
But then I realized I'd miss the
case a beer he brings over every
Friday night.
      (pauses, looks at
       helicopter
       lifting off)
And him!
                                                            
Paul and Sam head toward the gas station.
                                                            
Stricks is giving an interview to a TV reporter. He sees
Paul and Sam and winks.

At the door to the gas station, a Delta Force warrior.
                                                            
                       WARRIOR
Mr. Currie, sir. Young lady. Right
this way, please.
                                                            

114.

Paul BEAMS.
                                                            
 
INT. GAS STATION/LIQUOR STORE - DAY
                                                            
The Delta Force warrior, carrying strange-looking weapon,
leads them to the back of the store, down a corridor.

Warrior nods as they pass through. Delta Force warriors line
the corridor.
                                                            
 
INT. SMALL OFFICE - TIER ONE - RED MOUNTAIN - DAY
                                                            
Small office near auditorim where secret service agents took
President Kleinbank for safety.

At a table, Admiral Hoyt, several secret service agents, and
President Kleinbank. Hoyt sees Paul and Sam and rises.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
Paul Currie? Admiral Jim Hoyt.
                                                            
They shake hands.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (cont'd - looks at
       Sam)
And Sam June?
                                                            
They shake hands.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (cont'd)
Let's sit, shall we?
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (see President,
       almost
       tongue-tied, to
       Hoyt, but
       watching
       President)
I thought you were in Washington.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
I was.
      (off Paul's look)
I ran fast!
      (then)
First, we have someone here who
wants to thank you personally for
your bravery, the President of the
            (MORE)

115.

                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT (cont'd)
United States.
                                                            
                       PRESIDENT KLEINBANK
      (extends hand)
Young man, and young lady, too,
without your valor and outright
bravery, what transpired here
today may have taken a totally
different path.

Personally, and on behalf of the
United States, and in fact the
entire world, I thank you.

It is young people like you who
will be the future of our country.
I'd like you to come and visit me
and my family in the White House
after you recover from your
ordeal.

You understand, of course, that
the world must not know the extent
of your, um, ordeal.
      (the President
       winks, then)
But, believe me, what you did here
today will never be forgotten.
      (the President
       rises, shakes
       their hands again)
I have a helicopter waiting for me
and must leave, but I wish both of
you the very best.
      (pause, smiles)
I'll be in touch!
                                                            
President Kleinbank leaves the room with his secret service
men and is further escorted down the hallway by the Delta
Force warriors.

Paul and Sam simply look at each other with their mouths
open.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (to Admiral Hoyt)
Actually, I was just avenging my
Blackberry. They made me kill it.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (chuckles)
And I've come to debrief you two.
                                                            

116.

                       PAUL
Isn't that where you kill us
because we saw something we
weren't supposed to see?
                                                            
                       SAM
Well, you best not! Because the
President is expecting us, and
that'd make him might unhappy!
                                                            
Paul and Sam laugh. Admiral Hoyt does not.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (poker-faced)
We try to avoid that as much as
possible.
                                                            
He hands them each an ATM card.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (cont'd)
The economy is finally good again.
In these times we buy silence.
      (points to cards)
Those are ATM cards. They will
draw from escrow accounts in the
grand Cayman Islands. A lump sum
has been deposited into the
accounts.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (a little
       embarrased, but
       very enthused)
Uh, can we talk price?
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
Five hundred thousand dollars.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (looks at Sam.
       Both wide-eyed,
       mouths open)
Just got a whooole lot VEIRDER!
      (becomes more
       sober, corrects
       himself)
A whole lot weider, sir.
                                                            
Sam laughs.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
I miss something?
                                                            

117.

                       PAUL
Sorry, no, no, sir, you didn't.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
That lump sum is tax exempt,
code-white IRS. You'll have no
problems from anyone.
      (pause)
Additionally, an irregular sum of
money will be placed into your
accounts at irregular intervals.
It could be three months before
your first drop sum, it could be a
year. The first drop sum could be
ten thousand, it could be a
hundred thousand. It'll even out
over time to an amount I'm not at
liberty to disclose, but I will
say you'll find it's enough that
you won't have to work.
                                                            
Paul and Sam slack-jawed.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (cont'd)
This will continue as long as your
Social Security number is active.
That's to say, as long as you're
alive.
      (pause)
Provided, you meet one essential
condition.
                                                            
                       SAM
That condition being?
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
That condition being you don't
utter half a word to half a friend
about half of what you've seen.
Nada. That's the condition.
Violate it, and they'll close your
account, and unfortunately, my
friends, they may close you.
                                                            
                       PAUL
This may be a naive question, but
how are they going to know if we
tell anyone?
                                                            
A beat.
                                                            

118.

                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
Radio frequencies, son. Every
human body gives off a unique
radio frequency. All the boys at
the NSA have to do is tune into
your specific frequency and then
they can see what you think, see
what you hear, even see what you
see. All from their blast-proof
basement in beautiful sunny
Maryland.
                                                            
A long beat of shocked silence.

Suddenly Admiral Hoyt GRINS. Slaps the table.

Paul and Sam bust out laughing. Funny, funny joke.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
Don't worry about how they'll
know. Just keep your secrets
secret.
                                                            
                       SAM
Tell me if I'm wrong, but we're
getting this money from you. which
means we're getting it from taxes.
Which means we're getting it from
the tax-payers.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
Right. Have a problem with that?
                                                            
                       PAUL
No we do not!
                                                            
                       PAUL
Umm, those soldiers out in front
-- don't look like any I've seen.
Far out weird guns, too. . .
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (proudly)
That's our Delta Force, young man.
But you didn't see them either.
And not soldiers. Warriors! You
didn't see their M-4s or their
M-16A2s. Real cool gas-powered,
air-cooled government-issue.
      (pause)
Despite what a lot of people
think, government issue isn't all
bad. The SEALS still seem to like
their M-4s, the Delta Force's
            (MORE)

119.

                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT (cont'd)
signature companion is the 16A2.

All of which you didn't see.
      (pause, looks
       seriously at Paul)
The Force might have a spot for a
heroic young man like you, Paul.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (shakes his head)
Nope. Think I've become a
pacifist, sir.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (smiles, nods head
       in understanding,
       then)
Red Mountain is the jewel in the
Pentagon's crown. And if it goes
public, some people so far above
me in power they might as well
live in heaven will get very, very
unhappy.
      (pause)
Now, about the media.What happened here last night was,
a classified weather balloon
crashed. You two saw it happen.
You were pumping gas when it
crashed into the desert. And
started on fire. You told the
cashier. End of story. So, when
the media ask you a few questions,
give them just a few answers.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Hold on! A classified weather
balloon crashes in the desert and
you need a hundred soldiers, er..
warriors, to keep order? It
doesn't make sense!
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
So?
                                                            
Admiral Hoyt gets up. Leads Paul and Sam to the door.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
Well, I have to be gone. Got a
report due in my boss's hand at
the crack of dawn tomorrow.
      (wryly, small
       smile)
            (MORE)

120.

                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT (cont'd)
Title, "Field Intelligence on the
Proprietary Companies of State of
Concern Producing Products
Facilitating the International
Smuggling of Narcotics Including a
Case Study on a Manufacturer of
Toilets."
                                                            
                       PAUL
I've always been interested in
that. I read it?
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (chuckles)
Best of luck to you both. Enjoy
the money and enjoy yourselves,
but remember, "Money is like muck,
not good except if it is spread."
Francis Bacon, a.k.a. William
Shakespeare.
                                                            
                       SAM
Talk about conspiracy theories!
                                                            
Admiral Hoyt starts off.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Wait! Admiral Hoyt!
                                                            
Admiral Hoyt stops.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (cont'd)
What if I'm not satisfied with the
arrangement?
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
You want more money?
                                                            
                       PAUL
No, sir, the money's fine.
      (pause)
Say I want to know something.
Something secret.
                                                            
Admiral Hoyt waits expectantly.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Roswell. 1947. It was really a
flying saucer that crashed, wasn't
it?
                                                            

121.

Admiral Hoyt laughs heartily.

He walks out the door and Paul and Sam follow.
                                                            
 
EXT. GAS STATION/LIQUOR STORE - DAY
                                                            
A dark sedan idling. Admiral Hoyt walks toward it.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
      (over his shoulder)
Of course it wasn't a flying
saucer.
                                                            
                       PAUL
What was it, then?
                                                            
Admiral Hoyt gets into the car and looks out, smiling.
                                                            
                       ADMIRAL JIM HOYT
It was a classified weather
balloon!
                                                            
 
EXT. GAS STATION/LIQUOR STORE - DAY
                                                            
News trucks lining the highway. Reporters talking into
cameras.

Stricks giving an interview.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
I work here selling Johnny Walker
Red and Samuel Adams. I'uz on a
call, n' this huge noise comes
from outside. I goes out -- and
this huge fire.... I says to
myself..."Mattie -- she's the wife
-- Mattie, you sure was right
'bout my workin' so much...
                                                            
Next to him, Paul and Sam also giving an interview.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Well, me and my girfriend
      (squeezes Sam's
       hand)
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (cont'd)
We were just pulling into the gas
station here when all of a sudden
she says, "Look," and I look, and
here comes this flyin' thing outa
            (MORE)

122.

                       PAUL (cont'd)
the sky and crashes into the
desert. Right THERE.
      (Paul points
       toward klieg
       lights in the
       desert.)
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (cont'd)
Now, I know my ass from a hole in
the ground, but I sure as hell
didn't know what that thing was.
                                                            
The reporter rolls her eyes, turns her back. Interview's
over.

Sam punches Paul playfully.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (cont'd)
What? I do know my head from a
hole in the ground!
                                                            
                       SAM
      (punches him again)
That's not what you said!
      (pause)
I see I need to teach you some
social etiquette.
                                                            
Up ahead, Stricks.

They head toward him.
                                                            
                       SAM
Your acting was almost amusing.
But, girlfriend?
                                                            
                       PAUL
Just role playing. Makes for good
T.V.
                                                            
                       SAM
Of course. Gotta sound good on
T.V.
                                                            
Their eyes linger on each other, too long for just role
playing.

Paul puts hand on Strick's shoulder.
                                                            

123.

                       PAUL
You woke up!
                                                            
Stricks turns around, sees Paul and Sam. His face
brightens.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Hells bells! I hear you blew up
my place of employment!
                                                            
                       PAUL
I plead the fourth.
                                                            
                       SAM
Fifth.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Which is what I said - fifth.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
So you put me in the elevator, eh?
                                                            
                       PAUL
Hell of a time to take a nap, old
timer!
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Young man, you'll get old too.
                                                            
                       PAUL
About that, we'll see.
      (then)
Timely entrance you made. Helped
me keep my head. I thank you.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
I do what I can, when I can do it.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Money's nice, huh?
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Nice, young man? Nice is when
your microwave dinner is hot in
the middle, n'not burnt up on the
sides. This! This is magnificent!
                                                            
An older model car tears off the highway and comes to a
jarring stop.

The window lowers. We see a fierce black woman.
                                                            

124.

                       MATTIE
      (visibly angry)
Stricks! How many times did I tell
you! How many times did I tell you
to stop working overtime!
                                                            
Mattie continues muttering, but we can't understand her.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
      (looks sheepish,
       to Paul and Sam)
Guess my Mattie's mad.
                                                            
Paul and Sam laugh.
                                                            
                       STRICKS
      (to Paul and Sam)
Good luck to both of you. I think
I gotta go.
                                                            
He shakes Paul's and Sam's hands.

Then he gets in the car. We SEE and HEAR them through the
open window:
                                                            
                       MATTIE
      (still angry)
                                                            
                       
I told you I don't want you
working so much! I told you!
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Baby cakes, I QUIT!
                                                            
A long silent beat.
                                                            
Then she BASHES him with her purse.
                                                            
                       
YOU WHAT! What we gonna live on??
You think money jest falls outa
the sky??
                                                            
                       STRICKS
Sometimes, baby cakes. Sometimes.
                                                            
The car peels off. They watch for a moment as it departs.
                                                            
                       SAM
So, what are you gonna do with
your money?
                                                            

125.

                       PAUL
I got a little plan.
      (pause)
Gonna start my own business. W
and P's Parking Lots. Next big
thing.
                                                            
                       SAM
Who's W?
                                                            
                       PAUL
My bud Wessie.
                                                            
                       SAM
Wessie?
                                                            
                       PAUL
Yeah, Wessie.
                                                            
                       SAM
Real estate developer?
                                                            
                       PAUL
Yeah, something like that. What
are you gonna do with yours?
                                                            
                       SAM
Well, I guess I'll start by buying
a new car.
                                                            
Where her car was parked, big army trucks.
                                                            
No gas pumps, no Sam's car.
                                                            
Paul points to a roll-off dumpster. A crushed Cavalier sits
belly-up, a mound of junk now.
                                                            
                       PAUL
That wouldn't be your car there,
now would it?
                                                            
                       SAM
      (hands on hips)
That would be it.
                                                            
                       PAUL
I'm thinking past tense.
      (long pause)
Hey! Lemme give you a ride back
to L.A.
                                                            
Sam glances at him, then looks out into the desert. Out
there, shadows, and, distant mesas. But we can see from

126.

here she's not admiring the scenery. The far away look in
her eyes says she's thinking about something else.

Finally, she looks back at Paul.
                                                            
                       SAM
Alright. Thanks.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (pause)
Do you think they'll come back?
                                                            
                       PAUL
Who?
                                                            
                       SAM
Well, that ugly thing's ...things,
or some thing else - from some
place else?
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (pause, thinking)
Well, yeah, I think so. Probably.
Some day. Maybe some thing else.
From some place else.
      (pause)
One thing we know for sure.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (Sam turns to face
       Paul head on)
And what's that?
                                                            
                       PAUL
Well -- we're sure not alone!
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (then, sing-songy)
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do...
                                                            
They look at each other and laugh.
                                                            
They walk toward Paul's vehicle, which is parked unscathed
near the junkyard.

Paul has a look around.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Place trips me out. We are
literally lost between somewhere
and nowhere.
                                                            

127.

                       SAM
I'm thinking nowhere and nowhere.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Can you imagine living out here?
                                                            
A beat.
                                                            
                       SAM
      (looks thoughtful)
Yeah, I can. It'd be terrible.
                                                            
They laugh.
                                                            
                       SAM
First chance I got I'd hop the
fence and never look back.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Yeah?
                                                            
                       SAM
I'd find an island with a
turquoise beach and lie in the sun
all day, sipping chilled mai tais
and reading.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Reading's cool.
      (pause)
Personally though, give me a case
of beer and a nice beach, and I'd
be happy watching my fingernails
grow.
                                                            
Paul slows to a stop. Turns and faces Sam.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (looks intently at
       Sam)
This may sound totally crazy, and
if it does, you can just say no.
      (long pause)
But, seeing that we're now
official members of the idle class
      (pause)
How'd you like to maybe go
somewhere with me?
                                                            
                       SAM
      (thoughtful)
Where?
                                                            

128.

                       PAUL
An island at the end of the world?
                                                            
                       SAM
What about Joe?
                                                            
                       PAUL
He's got a Playstation. He'll be
fine.
                                                            
                       SAM
This island. At the end of the
world. Will it have a nice beach?
                                                            
                       PAUL
Turquoise.
                                                            
                       SAM
And mai tais?
                                                            
                       PAUL
Chilled.
                                                            
                       SAM
When would we leave?
                                                            
A beat.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Tonight.
                                                            
Sam takes a beat to digest. Then she walks over to Paul and
stops. Close.
                                                            
                       PAUL
Yes. I will go.
      (pause)
Provided -- you meet one essential
condition.
                                                            
                       PAUL
That condition being?
                                                            
                       SAM
      (playful)
That condition being that every
night you feed me grapes.
      (pause)
Pour me a glass of Pinot Noir in
handblown crystal.
      (pause)
And give me a long soothing
massage.
                                                            

129.

Sam runs finger down Paul's chest.
                                                            
Paul STARES. BLINKS. We can feel his heart pounding from
here.
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (softly)
Hells bells!
                                                            
We watch from the back as Paul and Sam walk holding hands
toward Paul's car.
                                                            
                       SAM
Actually, that's from a friend's
wedding I went to last year in
Napa Valley. I think I'd really
prefer a cold brew in a frosty
mug!
                                                            
Paul and Sam share a hearty laugh.

Then...
                                                            
                       SAM
Do you think William Shakespeare
really said money's like muck,
only good if you pass it around?
                                                            
                       PAUL
Don't know. Doubt it.
                                                            
                       SAM
But do you think it's true?
                                                            
                       PAUL
What?
                                                            
                       SAM
That it's only good if you pass it
around -- money?
                                                            
                       PAUL
      (very long pause)
Yeah, I think that's probably
true.
                                                            
Paul and Sam give each other a very long, meaningful look.
                                                            
Paul and Sam get in the SUV and pull out onto the highway.
We hear them talking animatedly, but can't tell what they're
saying.


130.

The SUV, still seen only by its red tail lights, vanishes
into the desert.
                                                            
 
EXT. CREDITS ROLL WITH PAUL AND SAM IN ETHIOPIA - DAY
                                                            
About six or seven months later, we see Paul and Sam both in
white T-shirts and jeans at a famine relief camp in Ethiopia
working on a food line. Sam ladles food into metal cups.
The tenth person in line is a cute little three-year old boy
holding his mother's hand. He smiles up at Sam. Sam puts
down the ladle and scoops him up.
                                                            
                       SAM
Tihmon, my little man! How you've
grown since we saw you last!
                                                            
Sam shows him to Paul. Paul smiles at him and ruffles his
hair. A GOLD WEDDING BAND is visible on Sam's hand.
                                                            
Paul pats Sam's expanding stomach. Paul, Sam and the boy's
mother exchange knowing smiles.


Bottom of screen reads: "Shakespeare, or whoever said it,
was right: It's only good if you pass it around!"
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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From mike Date 8/16/2009 ****
Absolutely some of best i've read. Brilliant. The often times witty exchanges between realistic characters really adds to the script. Love the title.

From ron Date 8/11/2009 ***1/2
Daniel, Enjoyed the script and character developement; great story. But, the closing scenes with the alien leader seemed too much.


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